Amidst the confines of Gujarat's central prisons, an initiative named Samarth emerges as a groundbreaking beacon of rehabilitation, recognized by the Governor of Gujarat as India's first prison-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention program.
Spearheaded by the visionary Dr. Reena Sharma, Samarth has revolutionized the approach to inmate rehabilitation since its inception in February 2017, touching the lives of over 9000 inmates with its innovative blend of forensic cognitive behavior therapy and positive criminology.
This Psychological Intervention for Prisoners is pioneering program seeks not merely to reform but to transform, aiming for a profound, enduring change in the inmates' thought processes and setting the stage for their successful reintegration into society. Samarth's comprehensive approach extends beyond individual psychotherapy to include group sessions, suicide prevention measures, and extensive training for prison staff, ensuring a holistic path to rehabilitation.
The initiative's success stories testify to its effectiveness, showcasing a shift from a cycle of crime and punishment to one of purpose, emotional navigation, and skill acquisition for a better life post-incarceration. Samarth's impact goes beyond individual growth, contributing to a safer, more compassionate society by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.
As India's first CBT-based intervention program in the prison system, Samarth stands as a model for correctional programs worldwide, highlighting the significance of psychological interventions in rehabilitation settings. It was also expended in all central jails of Gujarat respectively in Rajkot, Baroda and Surat after successful implementation in Sabarmati Central jail. Dr. Sharma 's commitment to dignity, compassion, and second chances for inmates marks Samarth as a transformative force, paving the way for broader applications of similar rehabilitation initiatives.