Indian philanthropist donates Rs 2.25cr to free 900 prisoners in UAE
Firoz Merchant, 66, who is the owner of Pure Gold Jewellers, donated the money to the UAE authorities, a testament to the holy month’s message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness
PTI
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Under the aegis of The Forgotten Society initiative founded in 2008, Firoz Merchant has already been instrumental in obtaining the release of 900 prisoners across the UAE since the beginning of 2024
Dubai, 26 Feb
In a pre-Ramzan gesture, a
UAE-based Indian businessman and philanthropist has donated 1 million dirhams
(approximately INR 2.5 crore) to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails
across the Gulf nation.
Firoz Merchant, 66, who is the
owner of Pure Gold Jewellers, donated the money to the UAE authorities, a
testament to the holy month’s message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and
kindness. "Prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman and philanthropist
Firoz Merchant of Pure Gold has donated close to Rs 2.25 Crores (AED 1 million)
to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Arabian
nation," said a statement from his office.
Under the aegis of The Forgotten
Society initiative founded in 2008, Merchant has already been instrumental in
obtaining the release of 900 prisoners across the UAE since the beginning of
2024, including 495 prisoners from Ajman, 170 prisoners from Fujairah, 121
prisoners from Dubai, 69 prisoners from Umm Al Quwain and 28 from Ras Al
Khaimah.
In conjunction with the Director
Generals of Police at the Central Jails across the UAE, Merchant has already
succeeded in obtaining the release of over 20,000 prisoners over the years from
a wide range of denominations, nationalities, and religions. He gets their debt
paid and donates funds for their air tickets to fly back to their home country.
Merchant says he began this mission
keeping in mind the priority the UAE gives to tolerance to give a second chance
for them to be reunited with their families. He aims to facilitate the release
of more than 3,000 prisoners in 2024. Merchant’s helping hand has been
recognised by the rulers, also his kindness, forgiveness and generosity have
earned him accolades from senior government officials across the UAE.
"I am very fortunate to
affiliate with the government authorities. The Forgotten Society initiative is
based on the premise that humanity transcends borders. We work together to
provide them with the possibility to reconcile with their family in their home
country and society,” Merchant said.
Colonel Mohammed Yusuf
Al-Matrooshi, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Punitive and
Correctional Establishments, Ajman, said that it is rare to see such commitment
and concern towards the rehabilitation of prisoners by giving them a helping
hand. “So many thousands owe him a debt of gratitude and what makes it so
impressive is the quiet and discreet manner in which he sets about doing so
much good work and providing genuine hope to those who might be languishing
behind bars because they cannot pay their fines,” Al-Matrooshi said.
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