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November 25, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

Sports Training at Salem

On November 23, 2023, a Sports Training Program was conducted for PATTAM coordinators from all Central Prisons of Tamil Nadu at IGL – Salem. The training program marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of excellence. It goes beyond sports, impacting the entirety of life. It encompasses the mental fortitude, emotional resilience, and the holistic well-being of every individual. This training is crucial in empowering coordinators to identify, understand, and address the psychological pressures faced by offenders, using special games and activities. The sessions, mainly focused on the insights, strategies, and tools aimed at enhancing not only athletic performance but also fostering personal development and well-being of the Young Petty First Time offenders. The four sessions were on the Whole Life Coaching (What & Why), Stages of learning through games, Heart of a Coach / Sports trainer and Practical applications. Participants expressed that this training equips them with valuable skills, enhancing their professionalism in the field of sports which is an attention and attraction-seeking event inside the prison. Trainers Mr. Sunil Moses and Mr. Sarath, invited from the Life Sports Academy, led the sessions. Mr. Bharathi Doss, the PATTAM Project Executive in Salem, effectively coordinated the training.

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November 9, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

Health Camp at Coimbatore

PRISM along with KRUPA successfully conducted a general health camp for prisoners at the Central Prison, Coimbatore, in collaboration with Karunya Hospital, Coimbatore. This event took place on November 1, 2023. The medical team consisted of 3 doctors, 1 ECG technician, 1 nursing superintendent, 1 lab technician, 1 social worker, and 2 health assistants. In total, 9 members participated from Karunya Hospital.  The camp began with the assembly of male prisoners. First, registration was completed, followed by blood pressure measurements. Then, they underwent blood sugar tests, and finally, doctors diagnosed their conditions and provided prescriptions and medication. ECGs were performed for patients who required them. In the evening, we conducted a health checkup for female prisoners. In total, 135 male prisoners and 35 female prisoners underwent health checkups and benefited from the services. The food and refreshments were provided by the prison department and were homely and delicious.  The Jailor, Deputy Jailor, Welfare Officer, Psychologist, and Counsellor from the Central Prison, Coimbatore, also participated and encouraged PRISM to conduct more camps for the welfare of prisoners. Dr. Christy, Psychologist, gave the vote of thanks in which she thanked the medical team, the prison department officials, and the prisoners for making the event successful. The event was coordinated by the PATTAM coordinator at Coimbatore, Mr. Moses, who was thanked by the prison superintendent at the close of the event.

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October 19, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

Training for Social Defence Staff at Chennai, Madurai and Vellore

PRISM received approval from the Social Defence Department to train all the staff members at the Observation Home for Boys in Chennai and Madurai, and the Place of Safety in Vellore. The primary objective of this initiative was to acquaint the staff with the PATTAM program and inculcate the necessary focus for the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the boys. This training is designed to motivate the staff to create a positive and conducive environment for these troubled youngsters. The training was conducted as follows: 14th September 2023 at Observation Home, Kellys, Chennai 5th October 2023 at Observation Home, Madurai 6th October 2023 at Place of Safety, Vellore The inauguration and certificate distribution for the participants were attended by key stakeholders, including Ms. Lakshmi, the JJ Board Magistrate for Chennai, and Mr. Raj Kumar JJ Member, and Mr. Sanju, DCPO of Vellore. Mr. Ravi Kumar Paul presided over the training sessions in both Chennai and Vellore. 79 Staff from these three places received training on the topic of “Aspects of Reformation and its Implementation.” A team of experts from PRISM served as trainers and provided training to the staff, covering the concept of reformation and the development of essential workplace skills. Many expressed the desire to have similar training sessions held quarterly or once every six months to enhance their skills and knowledge in their respective fields. They also shared that their understanding of juvenile and adolescent rehabilitation had significantly improved after attending this training. Senior Trainer Emmanuel Angelo at OH, Kellys Certificate distribution at POS Special Guest Mr. Sanju – District Child Protection Officer Participants at Place of Safety, Vellore Ms. Uma Mageshwari, Superintendent – Vellore – Topic Aspects of Reformation. Lawrance, PRISM Trainer Special Address from Ravi Kumar Paul at POS Vellore Senior Trainer, Emmanuel Angelo at Place of Safety, Vellore OH Kellys Staff Ms. Mohanapriya, Psychologist – Topic Juvenile Psychology – Madurai OH Mrs. Lakshmi, Principal Magistrate JJ Board, Kellys during Inauguration of Staff Training Mr. Nirmal, PRISM Trainer at OH, Madurai OH Madurai Staff Dr. Beulah – OH Kellys Training Special Address by Ravi Kumar Paul at OH, Kellys Place of Safety – Group Discussion OH Kellys Staff during Group work presentation

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October 19, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

PATTAM featured in Kungumam

The PATTAM program was featured in the popular Tamil weekly magazine, Kungumam. A gist of the article is given below. There is a sub-jail for the young petty first-time offenders at Saidapet, Chennai. Last August, there were 143 inmates in this prison. What a surprise… that number has dropped to just 17 in March this year! You may wonder if all the prisoners escaped by jumping over the wall! No. All thanks to PRISM, a Chennai-based NGO. Ravikumar Paul, the founder of the organization and a Senior Advocate of the Madras High Court, began to speak enthusiastically. Criminals with money can get away. But it is difficult for innocents without effort to get freed. Maybe even if we try for freedom, they will go out and talk in some desperation about what they are going to do. Two-week training camps were created for such innocent inmates in the prison itself. This training program was developed with the help of many psychologists and educators. It’s like group therapy. We gave them 6 steps of support such as individual counseling, group counseling, and teaching them life skills through sports. At first, all the prisoners participated indifferently. But we diligently persisted as even 2 out of 10 is considered a success. On the last day of the program, we get the youngsters to address the class. The success of this training was that all those who raised their faces in the training spoke with dreams about their future.  We worked with the judges to reduce the power of remanding a criminal. We said that if an arrest is to be made, it can be done through a case and the court attached to it rather than through the police. This is why the number of young petty first-time offenders at Sub-Jail, Saidapet has decreased compared to last year. We train the police to approach juvenile/young offenders under the auspices of the police under the PARAVAI Project. With this training we guide the released young offenders to avoid further crime in society and the same police will be vigilant. Last year, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced support for the implementation of this PARAVAI program across the state. All the credit for this goes not only to the ‘PRISM’ organization but also to the police prison authorities and the judiciary who worked on this project. When all these projects are possible, incidents like the Nanguneri issue can be prevented…” says Ravikumar Paul with confidence.

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September 26, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

Legal awareness program at Trichy

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) provides free and competent legal aid in the form of counseling and legal advice, as well as free legal services for cases presented in court. DLSA Advocates can be approached for assistance with any case, and their services are available to everyone. DLSA legal services are provided at no cost and aim to ensure justice for all. The Advocates assist prisoners by contacting their families and following up on their cases. Prisoners can seek help from various legal services and authorities within the prison, including the Welfare Officer, Psychologist, and Jailor, to assert their rights and receive support when needed. Legal aid services provided by DLSA Advocates are available in the prison every day.  The awareness program, organized by PRISM, was conducted on 26-09-2023 at the Trichy Prison.  The program served to clarify prisoners’ doubts about their cases and also collect contact information for the families of a few prisoners to provide them with assistance. These sorts of awareness campaigns are conducted for the welfare of the prisoners to utilize, to the maximum, the provisions under our judiciary system.

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August 17, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

77th Independence Day Celebrations

The 77th Independence Day celebration at Government Observation Home for Boys at Kellys was a momentous occasion that aimed to instill a sense of patriotism and pride among the young residents. The event was organized to provide the boys with an opportunity to understand and commemorate the significance of India’s Independence Day. The celebration was conducted by PRISM in the form of a 7-day event, starting from 7th August 2023 and culminating with Independence Day. These events aimed to provide a creative platform for the boys to express their understanding of responsibility and respect towards the nation through artistic means. Independence Day was celebrated in collaboration with the Social Defence Department. Present at the event were Mrs. Lakshmi, the JJ Board Magistrate, Mr. Ravi Kumar Paul, Senior Advocate and Managing Trustee of PRISM and the board members of the JJB. The youngsters put on an outstanding music band march-past and various other cultural performances. The PRISM team took part in the programme in which our sports coach trained the OH boys for two weeks to perform pyramid and aerobics on the Independence Day. The boys performed well with enthusiasm.  PRISM provided refreshments and prizes to the boys who participated in the week-long programme. Special gifts were given to the Observation Home which contained towels and sports equipment. 7th Aug – Being Responsible and Respectful towards India was imparted through educational sessions and collage making. 8th Aug – The theme “My Vision of India” was used to encourage participants to express their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for the nation through the mediums of poetry and elocution. A session dedicated to the life and sacrifice of Subash Chandra Bose, a prominent freedom fighter was also held. 9th Aug – A Ganna song competition was organized with the aim of fostering a sense of patriotism and national pride among the boys. The competition provided an opportunity for the participants to express their feelings for the country through music. A comprehensive session on the life, history, and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, an iconic freedom fighter, was conducted. 10th Aug – A quiz competition focusing on the theme of “Freedom and Independence in India” was organized to educate and engage the boys on the history, struggles, and achievements related to India’s journey to freedom. The educational session was on the life and sacrifice of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, a prominent freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu. 11th Aug – A drawing competition was organized with the theme “India and National Independence.” The competition aimed to provide a creative platform for the boys to express their feelings about India’s struggle for freedom and its significance. The competition along with a session on the life and courage of Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, a fearless freedom fighter and queen, successfully combined historical awareness with creative engagement. 14th Aug – The boys were taught the meaning of both the Indian National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” and the Tamil song, “Tamil Thai Vazhthu.” Along with the theoretical understanding, the boys practiced singing to connect with the essence of these patriotic songs. The celebration continued at Saidapet Sub-Jail around 11:30 AM. The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Thiru. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, hoisted the flag and distributed sweets to the inmates at the Sub-Jail. and other well-wishers were part of the program. The street play by the inmates and their cultural performances left the guests astonished. The inspiring speech by Justice Anand Venkatesh and others created a patriotic atmosphere and a sense of satisfaction. Well-wishers: Former Justice P N Prakash Amaresh Pujari, DGP – Prisons and Correctional Services Ravi Kumar Paul, Managing Trustee of PRISM Kanagaraj, DIG HQ Murugesan, DIG Nazir Ahamed Thanasekarapandian

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June 28, 2023 prismchennaiindia@gmail.com No Comments

World Drug Day at Cuddalore

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed on 26 June each year to promote action and cooperation in the pursuit of a world free from drug abuse. On June 27, 2023, Krupa and PRISM Trust jointly organized and conducted a Drug Awareness Program for 150 inmates at the Central Prison, Cuddalore. Students from the PATTAM class and remand prisoners participated in this program. Dr. Parthiban, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry) from Mind Care Clinic in Cuddalore, provided a comprehensive presentation on the severity of drug use. He also encouraged the inmates to overcome their drug dependencies. This impactful presentation left a lasting impression on the inmates. Mr. Senthil Kumar, Superintendent of Cuddalore Central Prison, advised the inmates to abandon their harmful habits and strive for a healthy and morally upright life. Mrs. Sudharshana, B.Sc, MBA, from the Mahatma Gandhi Deaddiction Centre in Cuddalore, informed and motivated the inmates by discussing various treatments available for recovering from drug addiction. This meaningful event was made successful by the PRISM Coordinator at Cuddalore for PATTAM, Mr. Prakash.

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September 10, 2021 PRISM No Comments

PATTAM program adapted for Juveniles

Earlier this year, we received a request from the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to provide individual and family counselling for juveniles in conflict with the law. Being aware of the huge need for the youngsters, we explored the possibility of adapting the PATTAM programme to suit this age group.  After making adjustments to the programme, on 13th March 2021 we launched PATTAM at the Government Observation Home for Boys in Kellys, Chennai. Hon’ble Mr Justice P.N.Prakash inaugurated the project. The programme was adapted to deal with the top two triggers for juvenile delinquency – addiction and dysfunctional families. To address these, we established a counselling centre on the campus of the Observation home, Kellys, Chennai.  Here, our counsellors, on the order of the JJ board, meet juveniles individually and with families, for counselling sessions. In addition to counselling, we engage the boys in the observation home at Kellys and Madurai with interactive sessions from Monday to Friday, where the topics are focused on Understanding Self, Goal setting, Decision Making and Handling Emotions. So far, we have been able to help 100 boys through counselling. The counsellors do a minimum of five sessions with each boy and additional sessions are conducted depending on the needs of the child and the family. Apart from these psychological interventions, we engage boys with life skills through sports for two hours in the evenings from Monday to Friday. The boys are engaged with sports activities and the lessons for life they can learn from that sport.

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February 4, 2020 PRISM No Comments

Republic Day 2020 with the Chief Justice

PRISM was honoured to present the PATTAM programme to Hon’ble Thiru. Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court,  Thiru C. Ve. Shanmugam, Minister of Law, Courts and Prisons, Hon’ble Thiru. Justice P.N. Prakash and Thiru. Abhash Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Crime. The programme started with an introduction to the PRISM trust by Senior Advocate Ravi Kumar Paul.  The beneficiaries of the PATTAM programme from Central Prison, Puzhal then put on a brief skit to illustrate how the PATTAM programme has helped them change their lives.  Police officials participated in the skit by playing themselves. Speeches by the dignitaries followed with Hon’ble Thiru. Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi mentioning that he attended 2 other functions that celebrated democracy in the free world and that this function celebrated democracy within prison walls.  He added that this was his best function of the day.

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