Events
Ballari Prison Ministry Unit (PMI- Ballari Unit) held Medical Checkup on Gandhi Jeyanthi at Central Prison

BALLARI, OCT.02, 2026.

Prison Ministry – Bellary Diocesan Unit held Medical Checkup for the inmates of the Ballari Central Prison on Friday, October, 2 nd , 2026 on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our nation.

The Medical camp was a joint venture of PMI Bellary Unit, Diocesan Health Commission and a medical team consisting of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff who have philanthropic interest. Addressing the inmates, Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary said, “Each of us created with an inherent dignity that one must look beyond the present circumstances and societal stigma. He urged those present to treat one another with respect, while holding on to their self-respect and march towards better future with hope.

Honourable Mayor of Ballari City Corporation, Sri P. Gadeppa, assured the inmates to provide RO water facility and mosquito fogging in the jail premises.

Sri Sri Kalyana Swami of Kalyana Mutt, Ballari said “We are all created with innate dignity," encouraging all those present to maintain their self-worth and inner strength during challenging times”.

The medical camp started at 10.30 a.m. About 207 inmates of the jail benefitted from the medical camp. They had health checkup, treatments and medicines were distributed free of cost. In solidarity with the brothers and sisters in distress at the prison, the PMI Ballari unit regularly visits exhibiting the face of the merciful Lord.

The team was led by Fr. Devane Sam, PMI – Bellary Diocesan Unit, Secretary, Fr Ivan Pinto PRO, Sr Shanty RGS, Chairperson PMI Ballari Unit, Sr. Jessy FHIC , (Sec Health Comm) , Sr Sneha , Sr Vijaya and their team.

Renowned Doctors namely Drs. Manjunatha, Priyanka, Nichita, Chandrashekar and Deepak Bille, assisted the team. They also advocated preventive health care measures like personal and environmental hygiene on that occasion.

While addressing, the gathering Fr. Ivan Pinto, PRO said “Service to humanity is service to God. This attitude helps to lead our lives to live in peace and harmony” He thanked the Jail Superintendent and his co-workers for their willing cooperation also, the Catholic Diocese of Bellary who sponsored the event.

A total of 207 inmates both men and women benefited from the camp. The services included general health check-ups, skin examinations, malaria blood tests, and blood sugar tests. The women inmates were also given awareness on breast cancer.

There was enthusiastic and overwhelming response from the inmates.

Report by
Fr Devane Sam, Secretary PMI – Ballari Unit