Jammu, Nov 6 – This Diwali, homes in Jammu will be adorned with candles and earthen lamps, thanks to the skilled craftsmanship of jail inmates. In an effort to provide skill training and rehabilitation for the incarcerated, authorities at the district jail in Amphalla have established a manufacturing unit within the prison premises.
These inmates are crafting a wide array of candles and diyas in various designs and colors to celebrate Diwali. Harish Kotwal, Superintendent at District Jail Amphalla, stated that stalls will be set up outside the jail and other locations for the sale of these creations.
Kotwal emphasized the importance of recognizing that prisoners are an integral part of society and are actively contributing to their community through these initiatives. This endeavor is a vital component of the inmates’ rehabilitation and skill training program, enabling them to acquire valuable skills that can support their families once they rejoin society, potentially establishing small-scale businesses.
Shakti Kumar, a prisoner serving a life sentence at the district jail, is among those participating in this skill training initiative. He described the candle and diya production process, which involves sourcing wax from external suppliers, melting it, and using machinery to shape it into candles and diyas of various colors and designs. Kumar, who has spent the past decade in jail, expressed his happiness at the thought of people using the products they’ve crafted to illuminate their homes.
Kumar also expressed his gratitude to the jail authorities for introducing various initiatives that provide skill training opportunities to inmates in various trades. The candles and diyas created by these inmates are available for purchase at a shop outside the Amphalla jail and are also being offered for sale at shopping marts ahead of Diwali.
