Indian businessman donates Dh 1million to free 900 prisoners across UAE
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Firoz Merchant, the founder and chairman of Pure Gold Group
Dubai: Firoz Merchant, the founder and chairman of Pure Gold Group, offers one million dirham (Rs 2,25,64,800) to release 900 prisoners from Jails across the UAE. This noble initiative, timed as a pre-Ramzan gesture, strengthens the values of humanity, forgiveness and kindness associated with the Holy Month.
Firoz Merchant's efforts spearheaded the release of 900 inmates from various Central Jails, including 495 from Ajman, 170 from Fujairah, 121 from Dubai, 69 from Umm Al Quwain and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah.
Firoz Merchant's philanthropic journey traces back to 2008 when he established The Forgotten Society initiative, aimed at aiding prisoners in the UAE. Over the years, he contributed 25 million dirhams to assist more than 20,000 inmates, facilitating their release by clearing debts, fines and providing air tickets for their repatriation.
Firoz mentioned the UAE's emphasis on tolerance and the importance of giving individuals a second chance to reunite with their families as his motivation behind the initiative. He expressed gratitude to government officials for their collaboration in facilitating the prisoners' release.
"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," said Firoz Merchant.
Colonel Mohammed Yusuf Al-Matrooshi, Deputy Director of Ajman’s General Administration of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, lauded Firoz's relentless commitment to prisoner rehabilitation, highlighting his discreet yet impactful approach to bringing hope to those in need.
"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," commented Colonel Mohammed Yusuf Al-Matrooshi.
Firoz Merchant aims to continue his mission of releasing prisoners, with plans to assist over 3000 inmates this year, furthering his humanitarian efforts and contributing to the betterment of society. He has also provided similar efforts in 2019, by offering 1 million dirhams to release 700 prisoners.