Over 1,200 inmates of the Bengaluru Central Prison have been observing fast from dawn to dusk with social activists and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Karnataka providing daily sehri and iftar meals throughout the month to mark Ramzan.

This 18-year-old practice of providing meals to inmates has helped many uphold their religious beliefs intact. Maulana Iftikhar Ahmad Qasmi, head of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Karnataka, said, “It started from 2008 at Bengaluru Central Prison during Maah-e-Ramzan.”

Inspired by the initiative, many prisons have adopted similar efforts for their Muslim inmates through local units across Karnataka in Ramanagara, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Ballari and Belagavi.

Maulana Qasmi said that over 1200 male and 60 female Muslim inmates are fasting in the central prison this year. “The bulk of the products, including oil, fruits, and rations, are donated by the general public. We just act as facilitators, ensuring the supplies reach the prison, where the meals are then prepared.”

Superintendent of Police (Prisons), Yashoda Vantagodi, said, “Apart from this initiative, we also try to provide inmates sweets during Ramzan as per government orders.”

The meal distribution is organised and delivered in two 15-day phases. Maulana Qasmi mentioned that securing permissions and gaining entry into the prison can sometimes be delayed.

“Ramzan celebrations extend beyond religious boundaries, with some participants from other religions also every year. The impact of the initiative is fostering lasting connections with the inmates, helping them to reintegrate into society after their release,” he added.