Prism Trust

76th Republic Day celebrations – OH Madurai

On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day on January 26th, PRISM Trust organized a series of sports competitions at the Govt. Observation Home for boys, inaugurated in the presence of the Superintendent. More than sixty students enthusiastically participated in over ten competitions, ensuring that each student took part in at least seven events. The competitions included drawing, painting, handwriting, chess, carrom, and other engaging activities. Winners were selected for first, second, and third places, while all participants received consolation prizes as encouragement. The competitions were judged by a resource person along with the home staff, ensuring fairness and motivation for all. The event saw students actively engaging in every challenge, displaying great energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. These competitions were designed to promote nation building, physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline while incorporating moral values essential for the students’ overall development. Through these activities, they not only enhanced their individual skills but also learned the importance of cooperation, patience, and perseverance. The platform allowed them to explore their talents, build confidence, and develop a healthy competitive spirit. The entire event created a lively and encouraging atmosphere, fostering happiness, unity, and personal growth among the students, making the Republic Day celebration truly meaningful.

76th Republic Day celebrations – Saidapet Sub Jail

The Republic Day celebration at Sub Jail, Saidapet, Chennai, was a significant occasion aimed at fostering patriotism and promoting rehabilitation among inmates. The event began with the flag hoisting and the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Maheshwar Dayal, IPS, DGP Prisons. Thiru. Ravi Kumar Paul, Senior Advocate and Managing Trustee of PRISM, introduced the event and elaborated on the PATTAM and PARAVAI projects, which focus on legal aid, skill development, and reintegration support for inmates. He emphasized the importance of these initiatives in transforming lives and reducing reoffending. A thought-provoking skit on discrimination was performed by the inmates, powerfully depicting its impact on individuals and society. The performance served as a reminder of the need for equality and inclusivity, reinforcing the values of justice and fairness. While the Republic Day event was a moment of celebration and reflection, various competitions, including drawing, singing, and elocution, had been conducted the previous week to provide inmates with opportunities to express themselves and develop their talents. These competitions focused on themes such as drug awareness, nation building, patriotism, gratitude, and youth empowerment. The winners were recognized during the Republic Day celebrations, with awards presented by Justice S.M. Subramaniam, Justice P.N. Prakash (Retd.), and Dr. Maheshwar Dayal, IPS, DGP Prisons. Justice P.N. Prakash (Retd.) delivered a special address, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in rehabilitation and urging inmates to make productive use of their time in prison. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Thiru. Thanga Vijayakumar, Superintendent, Sub Jail, who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, organizers, and participants. The celebration reinforced the importance of structured rehabilitation programs, education, and cultural activities in fostering positive change and reintegration for inmates.

76th Republic Day celebrations – POS Vellore

The Republic Day celebration began with a flag hoisting ceremony at 9:30 AM, followed by the national anthem and a speech on the importance of Republic Day and its relevance to democracy and unity. The Republic Day competitions at the Place of Safety Home featured several engaging competitions like speech, debate and drawing aimed at fostering creativity, critical thinking, and patriotism among the residents. The speech competition gave participants the opportunity to express their thoughts on prominent national leaders, with topics such as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Subhash Chandra Bose. A debate competition (Pattimandram) was held on the topic “Is the Internet Good or Bad?” Five students participated in teams, presenting arguments that enhanced their critical thinking and discussion skills. In the drawing competition, participants showcased their artistic abilities with themes like the national bird and influential national leaders. To conclude the event, winners from all competitions were presented with books, notebooks, public exam kits, and water paints, encouraging their academic and creative pursuits. The celebration provided a meaningful platform for students to express themselves, build confidence, and embrace the spirit of national pride, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.

PAATHAI Inauguration

In collaboration with the Department of Children Welfare and Special Services, Chennai, PAATHAI, a program centered around the rehabilitation and counseling of first time juvenile offenders was inaugurated on 11th December 2024. The inauguration took place at the Department of Children Welfare and Special Services in the esteemed presence of the Tamil Nadu Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Mrs. Geetha Jeevan and other dignitaries from the department. PAATHAI stands for Personality Affirming Attitude Transformation Holistic Approach Intervention. The program progresses towards the establishment of systematic reformation, reintegration and rehabilitation of young individuals who find themselves in conflict with the law. First time petty offenders are the focus of the initiative to be able to root out the problem by nipping it at the bud. The support extends beyond the confines of the Observational Home to guide them to facilitate reintegration into the society. Keeping in mind the physical and psychological changes teenagers undergo, PAATHAI comprises child-friendly action plans to facilitate interventions that cater to the needs and development of the juveniles.  

75th Republic Day celebrations

PRISM celebrated the 75th Republic Day at the Observation Home in Kellys and Sub Jail, Saidapet. Quizzes, drawing, slogan writing, and poem competitions were conducted to engage the juveniles and young first-time offenders. Through these activities, we were able to instill a sense of patriotism and emphasize the role of an individual in creating a society with justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The PRISM team at the Observation Home, Kellys, organized a beautiful program including Silambam, Aerobics, Dance, singing, and speeches by the children. The Observation Home staff were cooperative in organizing the events. The Chief Guest, Mrs. Lakshmi, JJB Principal Magistrate, and Ravi Kumar Paul, Senior Advocate and Managing Trustee of PRISM, delivered a meaningful message to the children and the gathered members. At the Sub Jail, Saidapet, the program began with the flag unfurling, followed by special speeches from various dignitaries and an outstanding cultural performance by the youths. Hon’ble P N Prakash – Retired Justice, Madras High Court, Hon’ble Nazir Ahamed, Member Secretary – TNSLSA, Hon’ble Kothandaraj – Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, R  Kanagaraj – DIG HQ, Prisons and Correctional Services, magistrates from various courts, Indhumathi, and Sub-Inspector NPO – Paravai, made the day meaningful. Their speeches inspired the youth in the sub jail. The presence of various donor agencies like DGCFT, CAPCO, Karunai Jyothi Trust, Krupa and ARUWE was encouraging for the work initiated by us to reform young first-time offenders. Prizes for the winners at OH – Kellys and Sub Jail, Saidapet, were sponsored by PRISM, and refreshments for the inmates of the Home and Sub Jail were sponsored by CAPCO.

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.

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.