Prisoners of this Himachal jail selling high-quality sweets, bakery items this Diwali

MANDI: The prisoners at Adarsh Central Jail at Nahan in Himachal Pradesh are once again embracing the festive spirit by preparing high-quality sweets and bakery items this Diwali season.

Known for their dedication to hygiene and quality, these incarcerated individuals are setting an inspiring example by sharing the joy of Diwali with the local community. The initiative, part of the Himkara programme, aims to bring affordable sweetness into people’s lives while supporting the inmates’ journey toward self-reliance and family support.

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For years, the inmates at the Nahan Jail have engaged in various meaningful work, including the production of sweets during festive seasons, a venture that has gained significant popularity among residents. This year, the jail has set a target of preparing 8 quintals of sweets, including favourites like kalakand, milk cake, khoya barfi, gulab jamun and besan barfi, all at affordable prices. Additionally, 47 types of sweets and bakery products have been made, creating festive gift packs to add a unique touch to this initiative.

The tradition at Nahan Jail reflects a larger goal of rehabilitation, allowing inmates to earn an income and support their families. Over time, the quality of the products has attracted positive community feedback, with customers returning each year for their festive sweets from Nahan Jail.

The jail management has established a profit-sharing model, with inmates receiving 40 per cent of the sales revenue. This financial support enables inmates’ families to celebrate Diwali with ease, bridging the distance between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. “Our aim is to ensure that inmates not only become self-reliant but also stay connected with their families through their earnings,” shared Vinod Kumar Chambayal, Deputy Superintendent of Adarsh Central Jail Nahan.

The jail authorities emphasise that these opportunities not only generate income but also contribute to inmates’ skill development, creating a bridge to a hopeful future beyond confinement. This spirit of self-reliance and dedication was born from past efforts in vocational training and continues with the same commitment.

This Diwali, to meet rising demand, the jail management has opened two new sales centres — one on Shimla Road near the jail and another near the washing centre. The initiative not only makes these quality products accessible but also celebrates the inmates’ dedication to producing something meaningful and valuable for the community.

Through Himkara, inmates are trained year-round in various vocations, including baking, dairy work, agriculture, carpentry and car washing. The success of these efforts is a testament to the jail’s progressive rehabilitation programs, transforming lives within and beyond the prison walls.