On August 10, Prison Ministry Day, we honour the remarkable journey of Father Scaria Nedumattathil, a Salesian priest from Kolkata province, who founded the Don Bosco Prison Ministry (DBPM) after a compassionate visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a nationwide mission of hope and transformation. For three decades, Father Scaria’s vision has remained steadfast: to restore dignity, freedom, and honour to those behind bars. His guiding principles—Reform, Release, Rehabilitate, and Reintegrate—have shaped DBPM’s outreach, impacting over 25,000 inmates and 45,000 family members. The ministry offers legal aid, counseling, vocational training, and cultural programs, helping prisoners rebuild their lives.
On August 10, Prison Ministry Day, we honour the remarkable journey of Father Scaria Nedumattathil, a Salesian priest from Kolkata province, who founded the Don Bosco Prison Ministry (DBPM) after a compassionate visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a nationwide mission of hope and transformation. For three decades, Father Scaria’s vision has remained steadfast: to restore dignity, freedom, and honour to those behind bars. His guiding principles—Reform, Release, Rehabilitate, and Reintegrate—have shaped DBPM’s outreach, impacting over 25,000 inmates and 45,000 family members. The ministry offers legal aid, counseling, vocational training, and cultural programs, helping prisoners rebuild their lives.
Prison officials praise DBPM’s impact. Superintendent S. Chatterjee notes improved inmate behaviour and reduced conflict, while the Inspector General of Correctional Services calls the ministry a model for reform. Father Scaria’s mission was shaped by collaborators like Father T.L. Francis and supported by the Salesian Provincial Team, including late Fathers C.J. Jacob and Thomas Panakezham. Lay leaders like Anupam Choudhury and partners like DB Tech India and Schneider Project have strengthened the ministry’s reach. Honoured with the Rector Major Paschual Chavez Award and recognized during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Father Scaria continues his work at the Human Resource Development Centre in Dhobasole, West Midnapore. His legacy lives on through Prison Ministry India, a national movement dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to society’s forgotten.
