Mangalore District Jail launches innovative reform projects

August 20, 2024 was a transformative day for the Mangalore District Jail with the launch of two major projects to improve the well-being and future prospects of rehabilitated prisoners. These initiatives underline the prison's role in rehabilitation and highlight efforts to prepare prisoners for a better life after release.

In collaboration with St. Aloysius University Mangaluru and District Legal Services Authority, the prison has started a diploma programme in 'Herbal Medicine and Disease Prevention' and a 'Sasi Marata Kendera' (Plant Selling Centre). The projects were launched by Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP in the presence of dignitaries like District and Sessions Judge Ravindra M Joshi and Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shoba BG.

These initiatives build on previous efforts, such as a 120-day training course on “Integrated Agriculture and Organic Farming Methods” conducted from October 2023 to January 2024. The convening of this course and a subsequent medical camp further underscored the commitment to the rehabilitation of prisoners.

The success of these programmes is due to the joint efforts of the prison authorities under the leadership of Superintendent Mr. Obaleshappa and St. Aloysius University with important contributions from Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ and Course Coordinator Prof. Edmund Frank. The event also saw the launch of a book on herbal medicine authored by Prof. Frank to impart practical knowledge to the inmates.

These efforts reflect the broader societal responsibility to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders and prepare them for productive lives after release.

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