Training on Gandhian principles commenced on 30th Jan 2020, at the Central Prison, Madurai as part of the rehabilitation program for first time petty offenders. The training was conducted by the Gandhi Museum, Madurai, and will be conducted once a week. In addition to life skills, it is important that first-time offenders understand and internalize the principles of non-violence.
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.
22-year old Parthasarthy, a bartender by profession, got caught committing a petty crime. He was sent to prison. During his time, he attended the 10-day programme by PRISM. Once his remand period was over, he joined and stayed at the Trust Way Foundation, an addiction treatment centre. Now, Parathasarthy, a changed man, moved to a new city to start a new life. He started a job as a salesman in a textile shop. Due to his sincerity and his commitment to work hard, the owner of the textile shop promoted him to the role of Cashier. Parathasarthy is an inspiring example of how motivation creates a positive impact in one’s life.
