Himachal: Jail inmates display handicrafts in a special exhibition

Himachal Pradesh: Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta inaugurated a special exhibition in the Traven Hall of the historic Gaiety Theatre on Thursday, showcasing a wide range of products made by inmates from various jails across the state. Organized by the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh, the exhibition showcases a diverse collection of handloom and handicraft products meticulously crafted by inmates under vocational training and rehabilitation programs. Visitors can view and purchase beautifully crafted shawls, stoles, mufflers, and tailored garments, including jackets for men and women. Additionally, a wide variety of handicraft items, furniture, and iron products will be on display and available for sale.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily until November 2nd. Admission is free, encouraging citizens and visitors to learn about and support the creative endeavors of jail inmates. In addition to the attractions, visitors will also have the opportunity to taste and purchase freshly baked bakery products carefully and skillfully prepared by trained inmates in bakery units across the state’s prisons. Abhishek Trivedi, Additional Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, said, “The objective of organizing this exhibition is to promote the concept of reform and rehabilitation of prison inmates by providing them a platform to market their products and indirectly communicate with society.

Such initiatives aim to instill a sense of self-confidence, self-reliance, and dignity among the inmates, as well as help the public appreciate the value of their work.” He further added, “Through this exhibition, the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services aims to highlight the transformative journey of inmates who are being prepared to reintegrate into mainstream society through training and creative engagement. This event also demonstrates the state government’s commitment to rehabilitation and correctional services and its continued efforts to ensure that prisons serve as centers of reform rather than mere punishment.” He also urged the people of the state and tourists visiting the city to participate in the exhibition, experience the artistic talent and craftsmanship of the prisoners and support their journey.