Seva/Service
MITRA
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Mitra Mantra
Mitra means Friend in Sanskrit.
The one who saves others from Sin through the use of right knowledge and shares the good through the teaching of the right path (Dharma) as well as corrects a person who commits a mistake unknowingly without magnifying the mistake and exaggerates ones good quality, not only to help where there is a problem but also at the right moment. This being the true quality of a Mitra.
- Bhartrhari in Niti Shatakam
- Bhartrhari in Niti Shatakam
Who is a Mitra?
Mitra (Friend) was initiated in 2005 by The Hindu Centre as a Hindu counselling program which comprises a unique blend of spirituality and psychology. The Mitra counselling focuses on faith-based values and norm for behaviour modification which improves the quality of an individual’s life and his interaction with society.
The entire program is based on the traditional teachings of Hinduism like the concept of Dharma, which can be rightly defined as ‘doing the right thing’ or righteousness, morality, religious code and duty. All Mitra counsellors have to undergo 1 16-week training session which includes basic helping skills, religious knowledge and relaxation techniques.
The program which was started in prisons have been extended to boys’ and girls’ homes and the homes for the aged.
Mitra Penal Programme
The objectives of the Mitra penal programme is for trained volunteers to act as Mitras to:
- share the teachings of Hinduism, with particular emphasis in Hindu Dharma, values and spiritual practies to change thinking and behaviour of yound and adult offeners to support their rehabilitation and address reoffending; and
- promote the strengthening of family ties and bonds between offenders and their loved ones during incarceration and after release.
The Mitra penal programme started in 2006 when the Singapore Prison Service and Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ) welcomed volunteerstrained by the Hindu Centre to visit inmates and detainees as counsellors to share Faith based teachings and ethical values.
Today the largest number of volunteers for the Prison Service’s volunteer based Hindu religious counselling programme is provided by Hindu Centre.
Currently Hindu Centre volunteers serve on a weekly basis at the following institutions:
a) Changi Prison;
b) SingaporePrisonSchool;
c) SAF Detention Barracks
d) Singapore Boys’ Home
e) Singapore Girls’ Home
f) The Ashram-drug half way house run by Hindu Endowments Board
Hindu Centre volunteers have also organised family engagement programmes for Hindu inmates at Changi Prison. Family engagement activities are designed as structured programmes to help inmates improve family bonds and understand their family duties and responsibilities.
Mitra Aged Programme
The objective of the Mitra aged programme is for trained volunteers to visit Hindu residents on a weekly basis at homes to befriend them and provide spiritual comfort.
Mitra volunteers have since 2006 served at 2 homes, the Bukit Batok Aged Home and Jamiyah Home for the Aged. The Centre also organises monthly bhajan sessionsfor the residents on the first Wednesday of every month.At these bhajan sessions, residents from 2 other aged homes, the Surya and Sunlove Homes are also welcomed. The sessions are held at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple at Serangoon Road. All are welcome to attend.
Mitra volunteers
Mitra volunteers are chosen for training after an interview process. They must successfully attend and complete a 14 to 16 week training programme.
If you need help or wish to volunteer or support the Mitra programme please call the Mitra hotline at 6297 8092 or email mitra@hinducentre.org.sg.
