Ashok* is a 44-year-old man from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. He is short and healthy. Ashok’s family includes his wife Pinky, a daughter Unnati who is 23 years old, and a son Trayuk who is 16 years old. Ashok completed his education up to Grade 10.
Ashok and his family lived in Thane district, where he worked as an auto driver and was the only one earning money for the family. However, Ashok had a problem with drinking alcohol, which led to many fights with his wife and neighbours. Despite this, he was financially stable.
One day, Ashok drank too much and fought with his wife and children. His wife filed a complaint against him at the local police station, and in September 2021, he was arrested and sent to Kalyan prison.
In prison, Ashok felt alone because his family refused to help him. He didn’t know about legal matters and couldn’t afford a lawyer or bail. He felt helpless as months went by.
On February 18, 2023, Sahaara staff visited Kalyan prison. Ashok approached them for legal help. The staff saw that Ashok genuinely wanted to change and live a better life. They decided to help him. They collected details of his case and spoke to the prison authorities, who supported this decision. They also visited Ashok’s family who didn’t object to Sahaara’s supporting Ashok.
With Sahaara’s help, Ashok was released on bail on June 26, 2023, after being in prison for 21 months. Sahaara helped pay part of his bail amount. After his release, Ashok had no home to return to, so Sahaara placed him in a shelter home of a partner NGO. They also helped him renew his driving license and get a job as a driver.
Eventually, Ashok moved into his own house. He stopped drinking alcohol and fighting. He started taking care of himself and going to the gym. Ashok had owned an auto rickshaw which he started driving for income.
With Sahaara’s help, Ashok also got a job as a driver at the airport. He goes to work regularly and drives his auto rickshaw part-time. His son Trayuk has now joined him, and they live together. He is taking care of his son, and there are no disputes between them.
Ashok values his job and his relationship with his family. He is working hard to provide for them and stay out of trouble. He is grateful for the help he received from Sahaara. Ashok says, “I am very grateful to Sahaara because when I was in prison for 21 months, there was no one to help me. I approached other NGOs, but no one assisted me. However, Sahaara not only helped me get released from prison but also helped me get back on my feet, and reunite with my son.”
Ashok hopes to start his own transport business and become a successful businessman with Sahaara’s continued guidance and support.
* Names changed to protect identities.
