Jail inmates’ products draw crowds at 38th edition of Surajkund craft mela

The ongoing 38th edition of Surajkund International Craft Fair here showcased several items prepared by jail inmates and their families, attracting many visitors from across the country. The fair began on February 7, and will run up till February 23.

“Various handicraft, art and locally made items, including bakery products, are not very enticing, and I felt satisfied to buy some items like cookies that made me recognise the hard work and spirit of those who wanted to come out as reformed individuals,” says Rakesh Kashyap, a resident.

Claiming that such items were much cheaper in comparison to many artefacts or products sold at many stalls, he said the attempt to promote such an initiative was appreciable.

“The inmates, who have prepared such items, may not have been present to see how interested people are in buying their products, but they’ll certainly feel proud and satisfied when they realise,” said a female visitor from

Faridabad.

The authorities have displayed several items prepared by as many as 19 jails from states across Haryana, include Nuh, Hisar, Ambala and Kaithal.

The mela provided the inmates a platform to showcase their talent, said Yogeshwar, an official from the Jail Department.

The items kept for sale include bags, chairs, paintings, handicraft items and food items such as biscuits, namkeen and cookies. He said the initiative was not only to promote the products manufactured in jails but also financially help inmates as 50 per cent of the money would go into their pockets.

Haryana Tourism Department’s General Manager Ashutosh Rajan said many inmates might like to pursue their interest to earn a living after completing their jail term, and it might help them become self-reliant and a part of the mainstream of society.