On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, the Dasam Foundation, in association with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Majuli, donated sports equipment to inmates of the District Jail, Majuli, with the objective of promoting inmate welfare and overall well-being.
The programme, organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Majuli, formed part of its ongoing efforts to support the physical and mental well-being of inmates and to ensure that national occasions such as Republic Day are observed inclusively within correctional institutions. During the event, one carrom board and a volleyball, along with accessories, were handed over for the use of around 45 inmates. The initiative sought to encourage healthy recreation, mental well-being, discipline, and positive interaction among inmates, while underscoring the role of sports and indoor games in the reformative and rehabilitative process.
Several dignitaries from the judiciary and prison administration were present on the occasion. Mr. Jaspal Singh, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Majuli, attended the programme along with Smti. Aklima Begum, Civil Judge (Senior Division), Majuli, Mr. Sandeep Kaushik, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Majuli, and Mr. Tridip Bhattacharyya, Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (M), Majuli.
The Dasam Foundation was represented by Ms. Rupa Rani Kour, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Dibrugarh, and Founder Trustee of the Foundation. Mr. Firdus Rahman, Superintendent, District Jail, Majuli, along with jail staff and inmates, was also present.
In his opening address, Mr. Sandeep Kaushik, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Majuli, stated that the programme was part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to support the physical and mental well-being of inmates and to ensure that national occasions are observed inclusively within correctional institutions. He emphasised the importance of using time productively, particularly during incarceration. Referring to the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, he spoke about how both leaders utilised their time in prison constructively through reading, writing, and reflection, which later had a lasting impact on society. He encouraged the inmates to cultivate the habit of reading and focus on self-improvement as a path towards positive transformation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jaspal Singh, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Majuli, noted that such initiatives are in line with the constitutional mandate of the Legal Services Authorities, which emphasises access to justice and a reformative rather than punitive approach. He added that recreational and wellness activities play a significant role in maintaining mental health and bringing about positive behavioural change among inmates.
Mr. Firdus Rahman, Superintendent of District Jail, Majuli, expressed his appreciation to the DLSA and the Dasam Foundation for the initiative, stating that programmes of this nature help create a positive atmosphere within the jail and boost inmate morale. Referring to the opening narration of the Mahabharata serial telecast on Doordarshan, where the voice declares “Main Samay Hoon”, he spoke about the value of time and urged inmates to use it constructively for self-development so that they may return to society as responsible individuals.
Ms. Rupa Rani Kour said that the Dasam Foundation remains committed to social responsibility and believes that engagement through sports and recreational activities can help inmates rebuild confidence, discipline, and a sense of dignity. She also spoke to the inmates about making effective use of their time in prison to develop skills, adopt positive habits, and work towards personal growth. She added that the Foundation would continue to support welfare initiatives focused on the rehabilitation and empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised sections of society.
In a statement issued by the Dasam Foundation, Mr. Darvinder Singh Nanda, Founder Trustee of the Foundation, said that guided by the constitutional values of justice, dignity, equality, and fraternity, the Foundation aims to expand its welfare and reformative initiatives to strengthen rehabilitation efforts and support the long-term social reintegration of marginalised and underserved communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Firdus Rahman, Superintendent of District Jail, Majuli, who reaffirmed the shared commitment of all stakeholders towards inmate welfare and reformative justice.
