Prisoners showcase talent at exhibition
A four-day exhibition-cum-sale featuring products crafted by inmates from various state prisons was inaugurated at the historic Gaiety Theater by Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, SR Ojha. The event highlights the artistic skills and craftsmanship of prisoners, offering a variety of handmade products to visitors.
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of items, including intricately designed furniture such as tables, chairs and wooden temples. Handloom products like shawls, stoles, mufflers and other textile materials, woven using traditional techniques, are also on display. Additionally, visitors can explore sewing items such as jackets for men and kurtas for women, which reflect the tailoring skills acquired by inmates.
A special section is dedicated to bakery products, where visitors can purchase biscuits, pastries and other treats made by prisoners. These bakery items have impressed both locals and tourists, providing a unique opportunity to support the rehabilitation efforts of inmates while enjoying high-quality goods.
Speaking to the media, Ojha emphasised the importance of skill development for prisoners under the “Har Hath Ko Kaam” initiative. “The exhibition highlights the creative abilities of inmates who have worked hard to craft these handmade products. This initiative not only helps them earn a livelihood while serving their sentence but also prepares them for a productive life after release,” he said.
Guddu, an inmate from Model Central Jail, Kanda, shared his experience, saying, “I learned carpentry in jail, which has helped me earn a living. Every day, we make furniture, which is always in demand. Through this work, I have been able to earn around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month.”
With 14 jails across the state housing approximately 2,800 inmates, including both undertrials and convicts, the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services is committed to providing meaningful rehabilitation opportunities.
“We invite the people of Shimla and visiting tourists to witness this exhibition, which not only showcases the talent of inmates but also gives them a chance to reintegrate into society as skilled individuals,” Ojha added.
The exhibition serves as a testament to the potential for reform and reintegration, proving that with proper training and opportunities, prisoners can contribute positively to society.
