Prison inmates showcase craftsmanship at special exhibition

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta on Thursday inaugurated a special exhibition at the Traven Hall of the historic Gaiety Theatre, showcasing a wide range of products made by inmates from various prisons across the state. The exhibition has been organised by the Directorate of Prisons & Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh.

The exhibition features a diverse collection of handloom and handicraft items meticulously created by inmates as part of vocational training and rehabilitation programmes. Visitors can explore and purchase beautifully crafted shawls, stoles, mufflers and stitched garments, including jackets for men and women. In addition, a wide variety of handicraft items, furniture and iron products would be on display and available for sale.

The exhibition would remain open to the public until November 2, between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm daily. Entry is free, encouraging citizens and visitors to explore and support the creative endeavours of prison inmates. Adding to the attraction, visitors would also have the opportunity to taste and purchase freshly baked bakery products, prepared with care and skill by inmates trained in bakery units within the state’s prisons.

Additional Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Abhishek Trivedi, said, “The objective of organising this exhibition is to promote the concept of reformation and rehabilitation of prison inmates by providing them with a platform to market their products and interact indirectly with society. Such initiatives aim to instil confidence, self-reliance and a sense of dignity among inmates while helping the public appreciate the value of their work.”

“Through this exhibition, the Directorate of Prisons & Correctional Services seeks to highlight the transformative journey of inmates who, through training and creative engagement, are being prepared for reintegration into mainstream society. The event also reflects the State Government’s commitment to rehabilitative correctional services and its continued efforts to ensure that prisons serve as centres of reformation rather than punishment alone,” he added.

He also urged the people of the state, as well as tourists visiting the town, to attend the exhibition, experience the artistic talent and craftsmanship of the inmates and support their journey.