Higher Learning
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Feb 2024)
Three students from Presidency College, Velu, Pratap, and David, were remanded to the Saidapet Sub Jail after getting into a quarrel with a bus conductor and driver. During the altercation, they broke bus windows and disrupted passengers. As a result, they spent 42 days under remand at the Saidapet Sub Jail. While in the Sub Jail, they underwent counseling sessions and participated in PATTAM classes to understand the depth and implications of their misconduct. These sessions hit home and left them feeling emotionally disturbed and guilty. The college decided to expel them when they were released on bail. PRISM intervened and after extensive discussions with the college management, the Principal and Head of Department (HOD) agreed to readmit the boys. The boys have a chance at a fresh start and have gone back to college and resumed their classes.
Sailing towards a brighter future
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Nov 2023)
Sakthivel, a 19-year-old from Chennai, was remanded in sub-jail for a phone theft case. His education was incomplete with him not finishing his 10th grade in higher secondary school. Sakthivel’s father had passed away ten years previously, and his mother is a housewife. Due to family predicaments, he was engaged in illegal activities like theft and robbery. During his remand, he actively participated in various activities such as cooking and assisting other jail-mates in housekeeping. He also attended the PATTAM class, focusing mainly on anger management, arts, and crafts. In individual counselling sessions, he shared ideas about maintaining ethics and etiquette and controlling his emotions in anger-management sessions. He spent 80 days in the sub-jail, so the PRISM coordinator liaised with the family and the judiciary for speedy bail. After his release, our coordinator maintained regular contact with Sakthivel as part of our procedural follow-up. He is currently working as a boat driver, earning 10,000 per month. His goal is to work harder and build his family to overcome the day-to-day crisis and loans. During the exit counselling session he promised that he would not indulge anymore in any illegal activities in the future.
From Darkness to Redemption
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Oct 2023)
Umesh struggled with a Kanja addiction, which led to him dropping out of school and being unemployed. He began hanging out with friends daily and, in desperation, resorted to stealing small items, eventually progressing to chain snatching to support his Kanja habit. Due to conflicts with his family, he chose not to stay at home and instead lived with his friends. One day, Umesh was arrested by the police for a theft case, and his family members did not come to visit him during his time in jail. While in the Saidapet sub-jail, Umesh regularly attended the PATTAM classes. It was during this period that he began to feel regret for his actions, and the PATTAM coordinator was able to contact his family. Umesh’s mother assisted in securing his release through a private advocate. After the release, Umesh joined a private company which indicated positive progress in his life.
Rehabilitation Triumphs
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Sep 2023)
Jagan was 27-year-old alcoholic who lives with his wife and two children. His mother-in-law is the one taking care of him. They reside in a small rented house in West Saidapet. Due to his alcohol-related problems, he struggles to concentrate at work, making it difficult to find employment. His wife used to work as a housemaid but is currently not employed. After consuming alcohol, he often fights with his wife and children, physically harming them. With the assistance of the District Grand Lodge (DGL) and Prism teams, he has been admitted to the Corner Stone Rehabilitation Centre for treatment.
Back Home
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Sep 2023)
Girish, originally from Thiruvannamalai, was raised by his father after his mother passed away. His father, who was initially engaged in farming in Thiruvannamalai, had later moved to Chennai for a better life. Girish struggled with drug addiction, regularly consuming various substances. He was also in a love affair with a relative’s sister, which caused conflict with his father. When his father learned of their relationship, they had a heated argument, leading Girish and his girlfriend to leave home. After some time, they separated.
Struggling with addiction and lacking the means to afford drugs, Girish resorted to stealing mobile phones from houses. During this challenging period, he attended the PATTAM class, where he came to recognize his mistakes. Girish also participated in individual counseling, which motivated him to refrain from repeating his past errors.
However, Girish’s father was initially reluctant to secure his bail, and their attempts to seek assistance from friends yielded no responses. With the support of PRISM, they reached out to the Probation Officer (PO) and, with their help, convinced the magistrate of Saidapet to grant his release. Bus fare was arranged for him to return to his native Thiruvannamalai, where he resumed farming.
Second Chance
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Mar 2023)
Anil, aged 24, holds a degree and is employed in an IT company. His father, Swamy, works as a mechanic for Bullet motorbikes. Anil was arrested following a minor altercation and was placed in remand on March 25, 2023, at Saidapet Subjail. While in custody, he attended the PATTAM class organized by PRISM. Anil had a short temper, so he participated in Anger Management classes, attending sessions regularly. Individual counselling sessions were provided to him, resulting in a significant change in his behaviour. Additionally, family counselling was offered to Anil’s family.
After ten days, PRISM staff communicated with the judge and the GT court to secure Anil’s release on bail. With a newfound positive mindset, Anil overcame his anger issues. He also aspired to pursue an MBA examination, and thanks to the support of PRISM staff, he obtained an early release to appear for the exam.
The road to recovery
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Mar 2023)
Rajasekar’s story is just one example of the many individuals who struggle with substance abuse, alcoholism, and related violent behaviour. At the age of 21, Rajasekar’s parents, Mani and Gomathi, worked in the construction industry, and Rajasekar was employed at a TVS company, yet he faced a constant battle with alcoholism. Under the influence of alcohol, Rajasekar was prone to physical altercations with other individuals who he encountered alongside his friends. Alcohol use and addiction led Rajasekar to a life of aggression and violence. Gradually, this behaviour became a habit and routine.
One day, Rajasekar was arrested due to his disruptive behaviour, and he was remanded to the Saidapet Sub jail for 35 days. It was during this time that Rajasekar had the opportunity to attend PATTAM classes and counselling sessions, which enabled him to take his first step to address his addiction and destructive actions. It is worth noting that Rajasekar’s addiction was not merely confined to one substance; he had been using multiple drugs besides alcohol for more than seven years. Many people turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional unrest. Rajasekar faced the same problem and looked for temporary relief through alcohol and drugs.
After attending counselling and the PATTAM classes, Rajasekar understood the need to stop consuming alcohol and taking drugs to improve his quality of life. He shared his concerns with the PRISM coordinator, who then supported him during his journey towards rehabilitation. Rajasekar then entered TTK hospital and embarked on a six month rehabilitation program. This program is specifically designed to help individuals recover from addiction and abuse issues and take steps towards long-term recovery and successful reintegration into society.
During his time at TTK hospital, Rajasekar was provided with supportive services, lifestyle modifications, and therapies that would help him re-establish his identity and control over his life. The rehabilitation program helped him to break the cycle of addiction. He was provided with medications to help him manage his withdrawal symptoms, therapy to help him cope with the emotional and psychological ramifications of addiction, and educational courses that enlightened him with knowledge on how to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle without relying on drugs and alcohol. Moreover, Rajasekar was given the opportunity to connect with others who were going through the same experience and share his journey of recovery. After his successful completion of the program, Rajasekar was gradually reintegrated to society and eventually, his family. He had undergone a complete transformation and is now a changed man. Since leaving TTK hospital, Rajasekar lives a peaceful and prosperous life with his family, has stopped using drugs and alcohol, and continues to work regularly.
Friends
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Sep 2020)
Naveen is from Pallavaram while Ravi is from Aynavaram, both localities in Chennai. This duo was arrested after stealing a cell phone with the desire to own better gadgets. Both the friends were placed in remand at the Saidapet Sub Jail during which period they were taught moral vales, ethics, social responsibility and much through the PATTAM program. After their parents filed for bail, they were released.
The friends promised never to indulge in such activities and vowed to stay as socially responsible individuals. It has been nearly 1 and half years since their release and they have maintained their good behaviour. Naveen currently works in the Airport and Ravi works as a mechanic in a shop near his house.
Re-education
(Saidapet Sub Jail, Nov 2019)
A student from Pachaiyappas college, Chennai, Santhosh is from Thirumullaivoyal. While trying to make a trending video with his friends on a city bus, Santhosh got into a fight with the bus conductor and broke the wind shield glass. The city police arrested him and placed him along with his 3 friends on remand in the Saidapet Sub Jail.
During his remand period his parents visited him everyday and cried during every visit. Locked in with actual criminals, he began to see life in a very different way. He attended the PATTAM classes everyday and learnt the lines of acceptable social behaviour and how to control anger. He regretted his actions and decided to live a better life.
When he was released, he was asked to take a Transfer Certificate from the college and leave. Keeping his future in mind, PRISM coordinated with the Deputy commissioner of Police at Anna Nagar, Chennai and helped Santhosh re-join his college and continue his studies.