“Made in Prison”

Prisons are called correctional homes nowadays. Not for nothing. It is a place where the inmates (convicted or under trial) have a choice to work and live. It is not backbreaking labor or some sort of physical punishment throughout the day as we are made to think. It is rather a place where transformation and rehabilitation is a genuine possibility. A false narrative by popular cinema and literature etc. has led us to this wrong perception…sometimes ridiculously unrealistic. They make no distinction between police “lock-ups” and “jails”- now correctional homes, and portray the limitations and difficulties of a police custody in a generalized way as if Correctional Centres are the same. But reality is different. “Jailors” as they were called in the past are mentors and enablers today.  The officers and staff are agents of change in this place of isolation and confinement- they are no more typical guards and tormentors.

In my current association with Nakshi- a social venture, I recently had an opportunity to meet one inspiring figure- Mr. Arun Gupta, IPS, DG & IG, West Bengal Correctional Services.  As the Chief Officer of West Bengal Correctional Homes and Correctional Services, Sri Gupta emphasized on productive utilization of human resources incarcerated in Correctional Homes of the State. The sick Correctional Home Industries has become rejuvenated through various skill development programmes initiated by him. Besides, he always cares to response to different welfare activities for the prisoners. Different programs under culture therapy have got his active support for mental upliftment of the inmates. Nigel Akara’s story is motivational who is an ex-convict and today a much sought after actor today in Bengal Film and Theatre industries.  He considers Mr. Gupta a mentor in his life.  Mr. Gupta’s fervor and commitment has galvanized many passionate celebrities from different walks of life like Alokananda Roy-iInternationally acclaimed exponent of Indian classical dance, a reformer of souls, renowned designers and social workers etc.

Incubated by Bandhan, Nakshi is committed to reclaim the glories of our indigenous craft heritage and create a sustainable business model that provides a viable livelihood option for the weavers, artisans and grassroots producers. Mr. Gupta came to know about our works and came over to discuss a probable synergy where we can provide the skill and design inputs to the inmates (women and men) in the correctional homes and arrange for market access through our platform. This will give them a regular occupation which is interesting to them as well as pave the way for future rehabilitation and mainstreaming.

We have chalked out plans for this engagement and expect to start working with inmates of Presidency and Women’s correctional homes- both at Alipore, Kolkata, in this month itself. We are both happy and excited about it. But which really struck us more is to see how the Jail authorities have developed working facilities, skills and creative conditions within the prisons and how the inmates have adopted and enjoying this engagement. It is a source of satisfaction for them and also a possible avenue for future rehabilitation in the mainstream of society, post their jail terms.  Even there are learning facilities for under 6 kids (staying with their mothers), computer training facilities…even beauty & wellness training facility! We visited these two prisons in connection with planning the work possibilities there.  Both places looked like a “home” really (obviously the women’s home seemed more homely)- in terms of the internal environment and mutual relationship among the staff, officers and inmates despite the legal and official boundaries. At the same time we could see the products and arts those are “made in prison” but which transcends the “walls” in its quality and creative essence. They are already making food products, oils, utensils as well as making garments, designer wears and paintings which are of excellent standards. This has the potential of larger market acceptance with a purposeful branding possibility like the brand “TJ” (acronym for “Tihar Jail”).

The separation is the “punishment”. But prisons are not meant to perpetuating the punishment. Rather it is a place for making them bounce back- the senior officials of the prisons told me. My take here is when the authorities is so understanding and trying best to fill them with positive attitude and skills, we as common citizens and free members of the society should make space for them. Convicts and under trials deserve a fair chance. They need to come back to the mainstream of society wherefrom they were isolated and placed in confinement for correction and rehabilitation. Products and creations those are “made in prison” tell us that story...