IndianOil launched “Parivartan – Prison to Pride”, a new initiative aimed to train prison inmates in specific sports, enabling them to take part in local competitions, besides boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
IndianOil, in coordination with Prisons Department of the respective State Police, will facilitate training programmes in badminton, volleyball, chess, tennis, and carrom across prisons in India to help improve the physical and mental well-being of prison inmates, especially during this pandemic period.
Several sports personalities, including woman grandmaster Padmini Rout, will steer the program.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of it, and hopefully it’s a start of something more beautiful for the inmates. What better way to nourish one’s mind and soul than through sports,” – said Padmini Rout at the inauguration of the program.
In its first phase, Parivartan has been launched in Chanchalguda Central Jail (Hyderabad), Puzhal Central Jail (Chennai), Poojapura Central Jail (Trivandrum), Special Jail (Bhubaneshwar), and Circle Jail (Cuttack). The programme aims to help inmates to overcome the stigma associated with imprisonment, aiding in their smooth reintegration into society upon their release from prison. 129 inmates would be selected for the four week training, which includes learning the basics of sports, besides enabling them to take part in local competitions.
The programme is in sync with IndianOil’s core values, the company employs prison inmates and people who have finished their prison terms as customer attendants at 30 retail outlets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
