Shri AS Sahney, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation, launched Phase X of the ‘Parivartan – Prison to Pride’ initiative and Phase VII of ‘Nayi Disha – Redefining the Future’, aimed at transforming the lives of incarcerated inmates and children in correctional homes through sports. Introduced on August 15, 2021, and January 26, 2023, respectively, these programs will now benefit over 1,000 individuals across 22 prisons and five children’s correctional homes.
Speaking at the launch, Sahney emphasized the importance of giving second chances and highlighted how exposure to sports coaching and participation in competitions can help inmates channel their energy positively, instilling discipline, purpose, and hope for their reintegration into society. State officials and prison authorities expressed gratitude for this unique initiative, which has reached over 10,000 individuals across 29 states and Union Territories since its inception, with participants achieving accolades, including gold and bronze medals at the World Chess Federation (FIDE) tournament last year.
