1. Prevent Crime for a better World (North Regional convention at Delhi)

On the Theme” Prevent Crime for a Better World” Prison Ministry India held its Northern Regional Conference at St. Fracis De Sales School, Janakapuri , New Delhi. The Conference carried through four days from 21^st to 24^th June 2011. The program began with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief guests and later a prayer song by the MPH and SSP brothers. Fr. Joseph Kavalakatt V.C (Co-ordinator Northern Region PMI) welcomed His Excellency Most Rev. Franco Mulakkal (Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi) who inaugurated the function. He also welcomed guest of Honor Shri. Amod Kanth IPS (Former DGP of Arunachal Pradesh and present Chairperson for Delhi Commission for protection of Child Rights). His Excellency Most  Rev. Frederick D’souza (Bishop of Jhansi), Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan (National Co-ordinator PMI), Sr. Adv. Jessy Kurian (Advocate Supreme court of India) Rev. Fr. Mathew Adhoppillil (Principal, Christ the King School, Jhansi).  Advocate Jose Abraham compered the whole function and finally vote of thanks was given by Mr. Joseph.

The Conference focused its discussion on the specific theme “Prevent Crime for a Better World”. The word Crime prevention could be understood this way “is an initiative or policy which reduces, avoids or eliminates victimization as well as agencies that deliver education, housing, municipal, law enforcement and so on.  It is much more than just police, courts and corrections.

Crime prevention encompasses a wide range of approaches, they include,

·         Promote the well-being of people and encourage pro-social behavior through social, economic, health and educational measures, with a particular emphasis on children and youth (prevention through social development).

·         Change the conditions in neighborhoods that influence offending, victimization and the insecurity that results from crime by building on the initiatives, expertise and community members.

·         Prevent the occurrence of crimes by reducing opportunities, increasing risks of being apprehended and minimizing benefits, including through environmental design, and by providing assistance and information to potential and actual victims (situational crime prevention), (UN Guidelines for the Prevention of Crime, 2002).

Rev. Bishop Franco spoke about the importance to explore into ourselves to save others. Our specific mission here on earth could be classified as to know, to love and to serve. God sent his only Son to the earth to save us and we serve Jesus by serving the humanity entrusted to us. “If we are not in the Prison today, it is only the Grace of God”.  He recounted saying, there are 50,000 educational institutions in India, and 1.5 lakhs students reported studying across the country and how much Christian values we are capable of imparting. Can we make a person to encounter Christ by way of our life and habits and finally helping people to reconcile and get reinstated in to the society.  Rev. Bishop D’souza Jhansi opined as “Do small things in a marvelous way for the sake of the humanity will be beautified and hailed high”. Rev.Fr. Sebatian Vadukumpadan expressed his perspectives on the issue of Crime prevention saying, we work jointly for the sake of the humanity because of God’s providence residing in us. Every prisoner is designated by a number inside the jail where prisoner is not important but the number is given priority. It means the person is no more important for them but rather the number. Therefore we have to work hard to change this attitude of the society.

Sr. Jessy Kurian imparted few thoughts on the aspect of right to life and personal liberty. She quoted saying, no one is a criminal unless his/her guilt is not proved. Criminals are conventionally comprehended as the unwanted persons in the society. And we should all fight together against this malaise in order to establish peace and harmony equal for all.

Mr. Amal one of the participants of the conference spoke about the aspect of following strict values in our life. Many a time rules are found very rigid and implying strict disciplines. This governance by strict rules may lead the people to the mentality of taking revenge and committing crime. Fr. Mathew commented that, we are fortunate that we are outside the jail and the unfortunate are in the jail though all of us in one way or the other are criminals.

Many resources persons from various walks of life inspired the gathering by their valuable thoughts and experience. All the participants had the opportunity to walk into the Tihar prison premise and had a close association of the situation there. The meeting ws well arranged and all the participants were endowed with an opportunity to share their experiences and present their views. Participants also discussed about various challenges they face in the ministry and all are of the opinion that church needed to take little more seriousness in the ministry, and we can never compromise on the value and prupose of this ministry that is evangelization, as it should be considered as church’s own ministry.

The valedictory function was inuaugurated by His Grace Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao, the Archbishop of Delhi, and the president of the meeting was Fr. Jose Edassery. Mr. Joseph Koovackal welcomed everybody and Fr. Joseph Kavalakkatt, the North Regional Coordinator delivered Vote of thanks.