In 2016, the former director-general of Tihar IPS Sudhir Yadav, reached out to Bela Gupta, Professor of Fashion Design at Pearl Academy, to help the inmates learn a skill. The vision was to empower inmates through training. Design being her forte, she could think of starting a course/workshop to train them in embroidery, sewing. A pivotal meeting with Dr. Sharad Mehra, President, Creative Arts Education Society (CAES) marked the beginning, where he generously allocated resources: five machines, two dress forms (mannequins), and basic infrastructure. This initial support laid the foundation for a pilot trial.
As Prof. Gupta delved deeper into the project, she recognised its broader scope: not just training, but empowering and rehabilitating the inmates. It became a mission—a mission for her and Pearl Academy to do something truly impactful.
Over time, as the inmates grasped the training and began to excel, ONGC expressed interest in supporting the project. They allocated ₹ 36 lakh from their CSR fund, towards infrastructure and additional machines.
The machinery provided by ONGC wasn’t just standard equipment; it was specialised, tailored to the unique needs of the women undergoing the course. Alongside regular machines, the Pearl Academy laboratory at Tihar Jail now boasts a total of 30 units, including basic single lock-stitch machines, two industrial ironing machines, and a specialised pressing machine, designed specifically for fusing tasks. Pearl Academy acquired a photographic machine for screen printing and a rotary machine, significantly boosting the training capabilities at the lab.
Transforming lives behind bars
Dedicated faculty from Pearl Academy provide training to the inmates at Tihar Jail from 9 am to 5 pm daily. They follow a similar curriculum followed at the Pearl Academy for some of their modules. The lab at Tihar jail is a replica of the ones at Pearl Academy campuses and is equipped with the same machines.
The course offered is of three-month duration, covering pattern making, garment construction, embroidery, printing and tie-n-dye techniques. The lab, which started in 2017, has trained over 300 women inmates. Many have transitioned beyond the prison walls, finding employment opportunities in various sectors. Those still in jail, operate with in-house infrastructure, producing goods tailored to market demands, earning ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 per month.
Some former inmates have reported earning up to ₹20,000 upon release, showcasing the program’s profound impact on livelihoods. Recent efforts include collaboration with NGOs to further support these individuals and ensure their rehabilitation in society.
