Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 29: In a gesture of compassion, fraternity and social inclusion, the Prison Ministry India (PMI), Mangaluru Unit organised a Rakshabandhan celebration at the district jail, bringing inmates and prison personnel together in a spirit of brotherhood and human solidarity.
The programme began with a prayer song by PMI members, seeking God's blessings on the inmates, prison personnel and volunteers gathered for the occasion.
Speaking on the significance of Rakshabandhan, Dora D'Souza highlighted that the festival extends beyond biological relationships. She described it as a celebration of love, protection, mutual respect, brotherhood and the bonds that unite people, irrespective of their circumstances.
Addressing the gathering, Sharanabasappa, superintendent of the district jail, emphasised the message of hope and transformation associated with the celebration. "Today we celebrate brotherhood. By tying the Rakhi, the PMI members are expressing their love, support and readiness to help you become better persons when you leave this prison," he said.
His words resonated deeply with the inmates, reinforcing the message that imprisonment need not define a person's future and that every individual deserves encouragement and an opportunity for transformation.
The PMI volunteers subsequently tied Rakhis to the inmates as well as to the police personnel, symbolising mutual respect, solidarity and fraternity. Sweets were also distributed to everyone present, adding a festive spirit to the gathering.
The celebration was attended by 370 inmates and 50 police personnel. From PMI, 17 members, along with coordinator Donald Cutinho and secretary Sr Jyotsna AC, participated in the programme.
The Rakshabandhan celebration at the District Jail thus became a meaningful expression of PMI's mission of reaching out to prisoners with care, dignity, friendship and hope, demonstrating that even within the walls of a prison, gestures of love and human connection can open doors to healing and transformation.