Udupi, 24 January 2025: On the significant milestone of a great journey of its vision, the Prison Ministry India (PMI) of Udupi Diocese held its decennial celebration at the Udupi District Prison in Hiriyadka on Friday 24 January 2025. The celebration program was presided over by Udupi Diocese Bishop Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. Hiriyadka Jail Superintendent Mr V.D. Chawan was the chief guest. PMI Coordinator Mr Rosario D’Souza, PMI Secretary Sr Melania D’Souza, PMI Member Mr Walter Martis and Chief Jail Warden Mr. Shakeel Ahmed were also on dias.
The program began in the evening at 4.00 pm with a soul touching prayer dance and a beautiful welcome dance both performed by Mount Rosary School children Santhekatte. This was followed by melodious Christmas carol singing by PMI Member Mr Alwyn Fernandes and his family. The school children then presented a meaningful skit dance depicting the scenes of the nativity of Jesus Christ interspersed with various carols and dances. The dazzling entry of Santa Claus dancing to the melodious tunes of ‘Jingle Bells’ added to the joy and excitement of all those who were present. A student also played saxophone. Students then presented filmy, classical, bharatanatyam and tiger dances.
PMI had organized Sports Day earlier at the Jail premises and had conducted sports and games events separately for the Jail inmates and Jail personnels in total 18 categories. Top three place winners in all the above categories were given the prizes in today’s celebration program. Bishop Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo and Jail Superintendent Mr V.D. Chawan handed over the prizes to the winning Jail inmates and Jail personnel. During the program on behalf of PMI Udupi, Bishop Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo handed over the Sound & Mike set worth of Rs 25,000 to Jail Superintendent Mr V.D. Chawan for the use of Jail inmates at the prison.
Speaking on the occasion Superintendent Mr V.D. Chawan said to the inmates that all of them are here to stay only for some time and eventually he wants them all to get released and go back to their homes by transforming into good persons. He thanked Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo and all PMI members for regularly visiting the Jail every week and helping the inmates with their basic needs and their transformation as an NGO. He also thanked PMI for organizing today’s program, for conducting the sports competitions and giving the prizes. He appreciated the various entertainment programs presented today especially by the school children and said that they all including the inmates never felt they were inside the prison walls but felt as if they were in an open ground.
In his address Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo conveyed his best new year wishes to the inmates and thanked Jail Superintendent Mr V.D. Chawan and the Jail officers for allowing PMI to provide their services in the Jail. Speaking further he briefed the Parable of the Lost Son and explained that though the son lost his complete share of wealth, when he returned home empty handed the father welcomed him back with open arms. Similarly, no matter what is the past in a person’s life, he can repent for his mistakes and start a new life. Bishop also mentioned the story of the inventor Thomas Alva Edison and explained that despite repeated mistakes he started afresh and succeeded to become an inventor. Thus, we too can change our life and become good people in the society, he said.
PMI Udupi Coordinator Mr Rosario D’Souza escorted the guests to the dias, welcomed the guests and the gathering. PMI Member Mr Gratian Bothello presented the introductory note and beautifully compered the program. Other PMI Members Mr Maxim D’Souza, Mr Dolphy D’Souza, Mr Roland D’Souza, Sr Jemma, Sr Lucy, Mr Victor D’Souza and Mr Rayan Fernandes were also present. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by PMI Member Mr Walter Martis to all who made the celebration a success, bringing in the spirit of joy and togetherness. PMI arranged snacks and soft drinks during the program and the biriyani dinner after the program for all the Jail inmates and personnels.