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.

PAATHAI – Training for OH Kellys Staff

On January 25th, 2025, a comprehensive one-day training program was conducted for the operational staff of the Observation Home (OH) as part of the PAATHAI project. The primary objective was to equip staff with a clear understanding of the project’s mission, their role, and effective rehabilitation strategies for children in conflict with the law. The event commenced with an inaugural session attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Senthil (Regional Probation Officer), Mrs. Glory (Superintendent of the OH), and Mr. Ravi Kumar Paul (Founder of PRISM). They emphasized the importance of collaboration between OH staff and the PAATHAI team, highlighting the need for a structured rehabilitation process that fosters a reformative, rather than punitive approach. The morning sessions featured engaging activities and session  focusing on PAATHAI programme model, Understanding the reformative approach by Mr. Immanuel Angelo and juvenile psychology by Prof. D. Beulah Emmanuel provided staff with a deeper understanding of adolescent behaviour, reinforcing the importance of empathy, trust-building, and positive reinforcement in their interactions with children. In the afternoon, a session led by Mrs. Thirumagal encouraged OH staff to actively assess the PAATHAI project’s impact through group discussions and presentations. Participants analyzed the strengths and challenges of the project, provided valuable feedback on rehabilitation, reintegration, and reformation strategies. The last session was on work skills needed to handle juvenile which helped to equip themselves better.

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.

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

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.