By C.M. Paul
Siliguri, December 10, 2025 — Salesian College Sonada alumnus of 1964 batch, Fr N.T. Scaria Nedumattathil, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion.
The recognition was conferred at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards, held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, on International Human Rights Day. The summit was organised by the Delhi-based All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice.
The Global Jury commended Fr Scaria’s extraordinary dedication in transforming lives behind bars through faith-driven social action. Beginning with his historic visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995, he pioneered initiatives of reform and rehabilitation across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His ministry introduced vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison.
Over three decades, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry under his leadership became a beacon of hope, offering release, rehabilitation, and reintegration to thousands of prisoners and their families. His initiatives restored dignity to inmates and inspired correctional officials, volunteers, clergy, and reformers to embrace a compassionate approach to justice.
“I went in with no plan, but came out with a conviction—that these men and women, though incarcerated, are still children of God,” recalls Fr Scaria. Moved by the plight of under-trial prisoners—young, poor, and often legally unrepresented—he began regular visits. Pastoral care soon expanded into vocational training in mechanics, tailoring, electronics, and digital literacy. His boldest innovation—the Motor Driving School inside prison—faced skepticism but succeeded, with life convicts earning licenses and employment.
Former District Magistrate Manoj Pant, closely associated with the ministry, affirmed: “Within five years, Fr Scaria and his team succeeded in making this jail prisoner-friendly. Life convicts are now driving prison vehicles after being trained by the Don Bosco team.”
Recognition followed: in 2006, the National Legal Services Authority honoured him for protecting prisoner rights; in 2012, he received the Pascual Chávez Award from the Salesian congregation for innovative pastoral leadership.
Beyond training, the ministry emphasised holistic rehabilitation—music workshops, sports, theatre, and cultural events helped inmates rediscover joy and camaraderie. Families too were supported through education sponsorships and counselling, breaking cycles of stigma. In 2022, the Salesian Province of Calcutta released Joy Behind Bars, a documentary chronicling the ministry’s journey, which humanised prisoners and shifted public perception.
Now in his early eighties, Fr Scaria insists: “This is not my work. It is God’s work, carried out by many hands.” His collaborators include Salesian confreres, lay volunteers, and even former inmates turned mentors.
Reflecting on his struggles, colleague Fr K.K. Sebastian remarked: “This is not the result of a PhD degree but of an authentic SDB degree—a Salesian for the poor and marginalised with love and compassion.”
On receiving the award, Fr Scaria told accompanying Salesians: “Prison Ministry should be considered an integral part of the Salesian apostolate. It touches the lives of thousands of needy and problematic youth and offenders. This is what Don Bosco wanted.”
His journey from a solitary prison visit in 1995 to global recognition in 2025 is more than milestones—it is mercy lived in action. His legacy reminds society that justice without compassion is incomplete, and that even behind bars, dignity and hope can flourish.