Global Network for Equality - India

26/03/2026

A prisoner serving a life sentence was already in a fragile state of health at the time of his arrest. Regrettably, the absence of timely diagnosis and adequate medical care led to the onset of severe elephantiasis, which progressively deteriorated over time. He is also a diabetic, and the compounded complications ultimately necessitated the amputation of his right leg at a Government Medical College Hospital.

Owing to his economically disadvantaged background, he has been unable to afford even the most basic necessities required for mobility and daily sustenance.

In L. Muruganantham v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025 SCC OnLine SC 1444), the Hon’ble Supreme Court laid down the principles now recognized as the Muruganantham Doctrine (2025), affirming the rights of prisoners with disabilities to dignity, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation. The Court categorically held that prison authorities are obligated to ensure accessible infrastructure, adequate medical care, assistive devices, physiotherapy, wheelchair-friendly facilities, accessible sanitation, and non-discriminatory treatment. It further directed strict compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, including the conduct of State-level access audits, regular sensitisation and training of prison staff, provision of healthcare at par with community standards, maintenance of disability-related records, and the establishment of effective monitoring mechanisms.

The Hon’ble Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has also recently reiterated that the right to periodic medical examination forms an integral part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution in WP Crl (MD) No.993 of 2026.

In this context, our organisation, GNE-India, has taken a modest step toward supporting the individual by providing two auxiliary crutches to aid his mobility.

08/03/2026

*Field Visit to Children of Crime Victims – Pudukkottai District**

On Saturday (07.03.2026), we conducted a field-level home visit across Pudukkottai District to assess the living conditions of children who have lost their parents to violent crimes. Behind every door we knocked there was a childhood interrupted too soon. Behind every statistic is a child trying to rebuild life after unimaginable trauma.

In one family, two toddlers are now living separately with relatives after their mother was brutally murdered by a neighbour for her gold chain. They are still too young to understand why their world suddenly changed.

In another household, three children are being raised by their maternal grandmother in a small house after losing their mother to a tragic crime.crime.The old woman carries the heavy responsibility of protecting their future while quietly bearing her own grief.

In Alangudi Taluk, three young children are growing up with maternal relatives, still unaware of the painful truth — their mother was murdered and their father died by su***de following the incident.

In another family, a young boy lives with his elderly maternal grandparents after losing his mother to a crime, adding another layer of trauma to a family already coping with loneliness and grief.

Sadly, we could not reach two young girls whose mother was found dead while grazing her cow in a paddy field. Determined not to leave them unseen, we met the local Police Inspector to trace their address so that we can extend support to them as well.

Our mission is simple but urgent — to ensure that these children receive the support they deserve and continue their education in a safer environment. We assist them in applying for the *Victim Compensation Fund,* *Edu-Gate Scholarships*, and government welfare schemes. Accessing these benefits requires legal heir certificates, death certificates, Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, and several official documents. Through our *pro bono legal services*, we guide these families and represent them before authorities so they do not have to run from pillar to post in search of justice and support.

This time, we also brought a little joy along with our visit. Under our **Toy Treasure Box Initiative**, we gifted puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, and small play materials to help these children relax, smile, and momentarily step away from their trauma.

A heartfelt thanks to all our *donors who made this humble initiative possible*. Special appreciation to **Ms. S. Mouriya**, who played a key role in making this initiative a reality, and to **Mr. Muthiah Kodi** for coordinating the travel and field arrangements.

The most rewarding moment of the day was seeing the children wave goodbye to us — toys in hand and smiles on their faces. In that moment, their joy was truly *supercalifragilisticexpialidocious*.

Together, we continue working so that these invisible children are seen, supported, and given a chance to rebuild their future with prosperity.

28/02/2026

At **Global Network for Equality (GNE) India**, there are moments that remind us why we began this journey. Today was one such unforgettable day.

*🌸 From a Small Village in Tirunelveli to a Grand Convocation Stage 🌸*

12 Years ago, in a small village in Tirunelveli, we met a 9 Year-old girl whose life had already seen unbearable hardship.

Her father was serving a life sentence in prison.
A few years later, tragedy struck again when her mother died by su***de.
Her paternal grandmother also passed away.

Left with only their aged grandfather, she and her elder brother faced an uncertain future.

We brought both children into our care and ensured their admission into good residential schools. Education became their shield, their hope, and their path forward.

She studied with quiet determination. After completing her 12th Standard, we admitted her to a reputed college in Madurai to pursue **B.A. Sociology**.

And today…

🎓 She received her Degree Certificate at a grand convocation ceremony in Madurai.

What made this moment even more powerful was that her father — now released and reformed — stood beside her, along with her paternal aunties. It was not just a graduation; it was a family’s redemption story.

She is the **first graduate in her family**.
Her elder brother, now a diploma holder.
The entire family beamed with pride.

And the journey does not stop here.

She is now pursuing her **Master of Social Work (MSW)** in the same college — determined to give back to society and uplift others like her.

Her eyes shine with hope.
Her heart carries resilience.
Her future is bright.

---

*🙏 A Heartfelt Thank You*

We express our deepest gratitude to:

* Rev. (Late) Sister Nambikkai Rose – School Former Principal
* All her dedicated school teachers
* The entire PMI Team
* All her college professors

Special thanks to our generous supporters and well-wishers whose contributions covered her semester fees, hostel, and mess expenses:

Mr. Ramiah Ariya, Chennai
Mr. M.E. Ilango, Advocate – Madurai Bench
Mr. P. Ravishankar, Chennai
Mr. Jaywant and Shammi Madam, Chennai
Mr. Dinesh Tadapalli, Hyderabad,
Mr. Sriram Ponnusamy (DSWT), Chennai
Mr. M. Karthikeyan (Dhayaa Group) Chennai

Because of each one of you, this dream became reality.

This young woman’s success is proof that **when society comes together, transformation happens**.

We wish her excellent health, continued strength, and great success in all her future endeavours.

With gratitude and pride,
**K.R. Raja**
Founder, Global Network for Equality (GNE) India.

23/02/2026

✨ **A Story of Hope. A Journey of 46 Dreams.** ✨

At GNE–India, we hold one belief close to our hearts:
🌱 *No circumstance should ever stand in the way of a child’s education.*

Education is not a privilege — it is a right.
A right that empowers.
A right that transforms.
A right that breaks cycles of injustice and inequality.

Today, we celebrate a milestone that fills us with immense pride. Among our 138 graduates overall, 46 students pursued their higher education at Sathyabama University through ANBU’s full scholarships, referred by GNE–India.

We recently had the heartfelt privilege of bringing together 13 alumni at the Sathyabama campus in Chennai. It was a reunion that felt like watching dreams come full circle. Seeing them cherish the moment and share how stepping into this college transformed their lives was deeply moving. They spoke about their journeys, offered guidance to the juniors about life after graduation, and encouraged one another with sincerity and warmth. Witnessing their mutual support was truly wholesome and inspiring.

As the university commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the ANBU Scholarship, our alumni graciously shared testimonial videos reflecting on their journeys and the life-changing impact of the opportunity they received.

Their achievements speak volumes:

🌆 3 have secured positions in reputed companies in Bangalore
🏙 5 are employed in Chennai
⚖ 2 have become advocates
🌍 2 are working in different cities across India
📚 1 is pursuing higher studies

Each one stands as a shining example of what belief, opportunity, and perseverance can accomplish.

The campus was filled with warm conversations, shared laughter, and cherished memories. Watching our alumni guide and inspire the current batch — speaking about campus life, career pathways, and personal growth — was a moment of profound fulfillment.

We deeply admire their sincerity, gratitude, and the meaningful way they have embraced the education provided at Sathyabama through GNE–India’s reference.

To our alumni —
You are not just beneficiaries.
You are changemakers.
You are living proof that when education is given wings, dreams learn to fly. 🕊️

And this is only the beginning. 💫

12/02/2026

As the Executive Director of Global Network for Equality (GNE)–India, we were deeply honoured to participate in the National Consultation on Prison Overcrowding & Prison Reforms held on 10th February 2026 at the Prof. Armaity Desai Conference Hall, TISS, Mumbai.

We express our sincere gratitude to India Justice Report (IJR) and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for organising such a timely and action-oriented consultation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Maja Daruwala, Chief Editor, IJR, for setting the tone with clarity and conviction; Prof. Vijay Raghavan, TISS-Prayas, for his insightful moderation and guidance; Madhurima Dhanuka for contextualising the urgency of prison reforms; and Nayanika Singhal and Saumya Srivastava for their valuable data presentation on prisons and legal aid.

It was enriching for us to engage alongside distinguished participants including Dr. Murali Karnam (NALSAR), Apurva Vivek (Hashiya), Mohit Raj (Project Second Chance), Praveen Kumar (LAW Foundation), Dr. Shereen Sadiq (WAFI), Ms. Cecilia Davies (TJI), Riolia Mascarenhas (Square Circle Clinic), Raja Bagga (JGLS), Adv. Pramod Gade (Prayas-TISS), and Ajay Verma (IBJ India). The valedictory address by Salman Azmi, Member Secretary, Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, added significant value and direction for future action.

During the thematic discussions, we emphasised the need for structured collaborative activities of CSOs with Probation Officers’ wings, District Child Protection Units (DCPU), Child Welfare Committees (CWC), District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA), strengthening Prison Lok Adalats, and coordinated follow-up mechanisms for undertrial review and reintegration.

We highlighted that prison reform must move beyond infrastructure concerns and focus on institutional convergence, accountability, rehabilitation, and community-based reintegration mechanisms. Sustainable reduction of overcrowding requires coordinated efforts between prisons, judiciary, legal services institutions, probation systems, and social welfare departments.

On 11th February 2026, we also had the privilege of participating in the Consultation on the Role of Social Workers in Prisons and the proposed Diploma Programme in Social Re-entry of Crime Affected Persons at TISS.

The presence of senior officials including Smt. Radhika Rastogi, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary (Appeals & Security), Government of Maharashtra, and Shri Suhas Warke (IPS), Additional Director General of Police & Inspector General of Prisons, along with Prison DIGs, Superintendents, and Prayas Prison Social Workers, made the deliberations deeply practical and forward-looking.

The discussions reflected a strong commitment to professionalising correctional social work and strengthening meaningful social re-entry frameworks. The proposed Diploma Programme has immense potential to build capacity and contribute to systemic reform within correctional administration.

We sincerely appreciate the dedication and vision of the Prayas–TISS team in conceptualising this initiative with such clarity and sensitivity.

These two days reaffirmed our belief that collaborative, evidence-based, and humane approaches are essential to advancing prison reforms in India. We look forward to continued engagement and partnership with IJR, TISS, legal services institutions, and fellow CSOs in strengthening access to justice and dignified reintegration.

11/02/2026

With Gratitude and Humility 🙏

We are deeply honoured to receive the Rajasthani–Tamil Seva Award 2026. We accept this recognition with humility, knowing that this honour truly belongs to the many people, mentors, institutions, and communities who have walked alongside us in this journey of service.

The award ceremony, held at Chennai on 08.02.2026, was graciously presided over by the esteemed Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Shri R. Mahadevan, Judge, Supreme Court of India, and Shri N. Ravi, Former Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu. Their presence and words added immense dignity and meaning to this occasion.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the Esteemed Jury Members for their unanimous and thoughtful selection:
Shri CA S. Gurumurthy, Prof. E. Balagurusamy, Shri N. Ravi, Shri N. Sugalchand Jain, Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, and Shri Praveen Tatia.

Our sincere gratitude to the office bearers of the Rajasthani Association Tamil Nadu for this meaningful honour:
Shri Narendra Srisrimal, President,
Shri Dinesh Kothari, General Secretary,
Shri Ajit Chordia, Chair,
Shri CA Anil Khicha, Convenor, Tamil Seva Awards.

✨ Fellow Awardees – 2026 ✨
🌸 Dr. Sudha Seshayyan.
An eminent physician and academic whose leadership in medical education and cultural scholarship has shaped generations.

🎶 Shri B. Sargurunathan.(Thiruvasaga Sennavalar)
A devoted torchbearer of Tamil Saivite musical tradition, preserving sacred hymns through a lifetime of service.

🌱 Payir Trust.
A catalyst for holistic rural transformation, impacting lives through health, nutrition, education, and ecological restoration.

🏥 Public Health Centre, West Mambalam.
A beacon of ethical, community-driven healthcare, serving Chennai with compassion for over 70 years.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri CA Anil Khicha, Convenor of Tamil Seva Awards, for his constant support, and sincere gratitude to Dr. R. Natraj, IPS (Retd.), former DGP of Tamil Nadu, whose nomination and encouragement mean a great deal to us.

Our special thanks to Shri P. Ravishankar, a long-time supporter, for his unwavering encouragement and presence.

We also thank the Award Shortlisting Committee and Working Team for their dedicated efforts:
Adv. J. Radhakrishnan, Shri KVK Sriram, Shri S. A. Ramesh Rangan, Shri V. Nandakumar, Shri M. Ramanathan, and all 12 members of the Award Working Team.

The Rajasthani–Tamil Seva Awards beautifully celebrate the bond between two rich cultures and our shared spirit of service.

We feel privileged to be part of this inspiring platform and recommit ourselves to serve society with greater responsibility and renewed dedication.

🙏 Thank you all for your trust, blessings, and kindness. ✨

06/02/2026

92 Years of Remembrance | A Living Legacy of Service 🇮🇳✨

On this historically significant day, marking 92 years since Mahatma Gandhi’s visit and stay on 6 February 1934, we are deeply humbled to receive the Mahatma Gandhi Manithaneyam Award 2026, instituted by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial under G. D. Naidu Charities.

This honour holds profound meaning—not merely as recognition, but because it is conferred at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Podanur, a sacred space where Gandhiji once lived, walked, and inspired. The very soil of this institution continues to echo his eternal ideals of humanity, compassion, and selfless service.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries who graced the ceremony and enriched the occasion with their presence and guidance:
Mr. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, IAS, District Collector, Coimbatore (Chief Guest);
Dr. B. K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar (Presiding);
Mr. G. D. Gopal, G. D. Naidu Charities;
Mr. G. D. Rajkumar, Trustee, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial; and
Mr. T. K. Chandran, Chairman, The Chennai Silks (Guest of Honour).

Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Anchanakumar and Mr. C. Loganathan of G. D. Naidu Charities, Coimbatore, for their thoughtful initiative in visiting our Global Network for Equality (GNE) India office to record a testimonial video in connection with this award—a gesture that deeply touched our entire team.

We are also grateful to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and the entire organising team for the gracious invitation and warm hospitality extended during the ceremony.

This honour was shared with nine other inspiring individuals who have rendered remarkable service to society. We offer our deep respect to each of them—your work strengthens our collective faith in humanity.

We dedicate this award with gratitude to all our supporters, well-wishers, and the children we serve. Without your trust, encouragement, and silent strength—often given without any expectations—these milestones would never have been possible.

An award that bears the name and values of Mahatma Gandhi is not merely a moment of pride, but a solemn responsibility. On this day of remembrance, we accept this honour with renewed commitment to continue serving society with compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to human values.

11/12/2025

💛 You Can Create a World of Difference

With just ₹500, you can gift a Toy Treasure Box to a child who desperately needs comfort, hope, and healing.

It may seem small—
but for a child who has lost everything, it becomes a treasure chest of possibilities.

Let’s rebuild their world…
one toy, one smile, one healing moment at a time.

💛 Donate today. Bring healing into little hands. https://forms.gle/hFT8pQWuaU7Yy697A

23/11/2025

🙏 This is a reminder that true justice isn’t just about punishing the guilty — it’s about caring for the innocent, especially the small and unseen.

📣 If you believe in giving every child a chance to smile, to learn, to grow — please share this story. Let’s shine light on the unseen, and help rebuild those lost childhoods.

Our NGO Global Network for Equality (GNE) – India. pledged: “No child should be punished for circumstances they never created.”



Rebuilding lost childhoods: -

CHENNAI: The smile didn’t come all at once. It unfolded slowly — hesitant, almost startled — across the face of a ten-year-old girl from a small village near Me

10/11/2025

We are helping 448 children who have lost either one or both parents in criminal cases associated with family disputes, through our non-profit, the Global Network for Equality (GNE) - India.

For a few days after their mother’s midnight murder and father’s dramatic arrest, four children languished in Madurai’s suburb due to the police’s lac...

29/10/2025

10-year-old girl from Melur lost her mom in 2023 in a tragic case of domestic violence.

Amidst court cases and grief, her little world was left shaken — yet she smiles, dreams big, and wants to become a Collector one day.

Our GNE-India team stood by her side helping her family access victim compensation, government schemes, and supporting her education with annual scholarship.

During our home visit, her smile and hope reminded us why we do what we do.

This Diwali, we celebrated with her gifting love, light, and the promise that she is not alone.

Because sometimes, the strongest light shines from the smallest hearts.

For more details:
https://www.gnequality.org/post/a-ray-of-hope-amidst-loss

20/10/2025

Let’s make this Diwali more than just lights and sweets — let’s ignite hope for the invisible and innocent children who deserve to shine too. 🌟 .

With Special regards
K.R.Raja, MSW.,MA.,LLM.,
____
PhD
Advocate - High Court Madurai Bench,
Co-founder Global Network for Equality (GNE)-India
www.gnequality.org

*Children of women prisoners in TN turn* *‘invisible ’* *after turning six"* https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Oct/20/children-of-woman-prisoners-in-tn-turn-invisible-after-turning-six