It was an important day in the annals of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru and District Prison Mangaluru. 20 August 2024 witnessed the launch of the Diploma programme in “Herbal Medicines and Disease Prevention” for the prison inmates in the district Jail and the inauguration of the “Sasi Marata Kendra” by Mr Mullai Muhilan MP, the Deputy Commissioner, in the presence of Mr Ravindra M Joshi, Prl. District and Sessions Judge. Mrs Shoba B.G. presided over the proceedings. This place was given to the prison authorities by the good offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Mangalore City Corporation for the purpose of selling the plants and produce grown in the prison garden to the general public.

The Superintendent of the prison Mr Obaleshappa welcomed the dignitaries and the participants and thanked the Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ and the Course coordinator Prof. Edmund Frank for their major role in organizing this course. The Diploma course was inaugurated by Mr Ravindra M. Joshi, Prl. District and Sessions Judge. He complemented St Aloysius (University) and Prison Superintendent for launching such an useful programme which would certainly benefit the inmates attending the course. The Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ and Prof. Edmund Frank, Course Coordinator were facilitated on the occasion for their role in organising this course.

The Deputy Commissioner released the book on “Herbal Medicines and Disease Prevention” authored by Prof. Edmund Frank. He congratulated him for writing such a useful book in simple Kannada language which would certainly benefit the trainees.

Prof Edmund Frank spoke outlining the course content. Mrs. Shoba B.G. Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Dr Ronald Nazareth and Dr Alwyn D’Sa were present as Chief Guests and spoke on the occasion appreciating the meaningful programmes that were organised in the Jail under the leadership of the Superintendent Mr B.T. Obaleshappa.

Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, presided over he function and spoke appreciatively about the educative programmes conducted in the jail and promised all help from the University. He also mentioned that St Aloysius had organized a similar training programme in year 2023 and commended the role played by Prof. Edmund Frank.

Mr Denise D’Souza, Prison Psychiatric Councillor proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Lava Kumar, Prison Officer was the Master of Ceremonies.