In commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence, the Government of India convened a National Committee comprising prominent citizens from various backgrounds to make impactful contributions. One of the agendas put forth by the committee was to reach out to inmates across the country and interact with them based on the teachings of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh, a visionary leader and freedom fighter whose teachings have had a positive influence on countless lives. As a member of the National Committee, the head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was requested to organise this special outreach programme.
Under the directive of His Holiness, community members undertook the outreach programmes with the help of relevant authorities and engaged with nearly 10,300 inmates in Jails across the country.
Secunderabad and Hyderabad, Telangana
On 29th July 2022, community members from the twin cities visited Chanchalguda Jail to undertake the outreach program. They were accompanied by the jail’s administrative staff, including the Inspector General of Prison Mr Rajesh, Director General of Prison Mr Murli, Superintendent of Prison Mr Shivkumar Goud & other authorities. The Advocate of Telangana High Court, Mr AP Venugopal graced the occasion as a special guest and delivered a counselling session to the inmates.
The session was followed by serving freshly cooked meals, including Hyderabadi Biryani, Gulab Jamun and other items to 2500 individuals, including all inmates and administrative staff. The Biryani was cooked exclusively within the jail premises.
Community members revisited the jail at the request of Mr Shivkumar Goud on 19th August to distribute nearly 4000 fruits to the inmates.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Community members from Bhopal visited Bhopal Central Jail on 14th August 2022 to conduct the outreach program. They were accompanied by the Superintendent of the jail Mr Dinesh Nargave, Deputy Inspector General of Police Shri Dinesh Nargave and other authorities for the visit. A counselling session was delivered on the teachings of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh. Community members also gifted 160 books to the jail library and served sweets. Additionally, community members took the opportunity of compensating the fines of two prisoners in order to expedite their release.
Nashik, Maharashtra
Dawoodi Bohras of Nashik undertook the outreach program at Nashik Central Jail on 15th August 2022, the day India celebrated its 75th Independence Day. Community members were accompanied by the Additional Director General and Controller of Legal Metrology at Maharashtra Police, Dr Ravinder Singal, the Central Jail Superintendent Mr Pramod Wagh and other authorities. At the community’s request, Dr Singal especially travelled from Mumbai to deliver a motivational address to the inmates. Community members also gifted 300 books to the library based on the teachings of freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Aurobindo.
Vadodara, Gujarat
Community members from Vadodara joined hands with representatives from the Aurobindo Ashram to conduct the outreach programme at Vadodara Central Jail on 17th August 2022. Mr Sharad Joshi, a member of the Ashram, delivered a motivational session on the topic ‘Go Ahead in Life’ based on the teachings of Shri Aurobindo. This was followed by a physical training session encouraging inmates to be mindful of their physical health. Community members also distributed clothes and served refreshments to the inmates.
Rajkot, Gujarat
Community members visited Rajkot Central Jail on 23rd August 2022 to undertake the outreach program. They were accompanied by Senior Advocate Tusharbhai Gokani, Jail Superintendent Ms Banno Joshi, Police Inspectors Mr B B Parmaar & Mr P I Kiransingh Sisodiya, DYSP Mr Rakesh Desai & other authorities.
Senior Advocate Tusharbhai Gokani graced the occasion as guest speaker and delivered a motivating session inspired by the teachings of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh. The session was attended in person by 200 inmates and relayed to more than 800 inmates through the jail’s Live Address System.
The session was followed by serving sweets to both the inmates as well as the administrative staff. Community members also donated motivational books and biographies to the jail’s library.
Senior Advocate Mr Gokani appreciated the outreach and said he looks forward to collaborating with the community for such uplifting social programmes in the future.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Community members implemented the outreach program at Central Jail Indore on 29th August 2022 in the company of Social Activist Mr Rajiv Jain, Jail Superintendent Ms Alka Sonkar, Deputy Superintendent Mr Sujeet Khare & other jail authorities.
Mr Jain delivered a motivational address based on the teachings of Shri Aurobindo and spoke on the topics of Anger Management and Skill Development.
Following the session, community members served a freshly cooked meal comprising Kheer, Puri and mixed vegetable curry to nearly 3000 individuals, including inmates and administrative staff. They also donated an ECG machine to the jail’s in-house hospital and made a commitment to improve the jail’s sound system and construct a canopy in the visitor’s waiting area to provide shade to relatives and visitors. As a gesture of goodwill, the jail’s superintendent announced the release of six inmates who are due to appear for postgraduate examinations.
The inmates received community members with enthusiasm and were thankful for the seminars based on the life and teachings of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh.
These drives were conducted under the banner of Project Rise, the community’s global philanthropic arm that mobilises community members across the world to aid the less fortunate and vulnerable sections of society. It strives to foster a culture of empathy, awareness and generosity such that no individual is neglected, overlooked or marginalised.
