Tihar Jail & Pearl Academy jointly set up a fashion laboratory at the prison

Pearl Academy, India’s leading institution for design, fashion and creative businesstook a one of its kind initiative by setting up a fashion laboratory in collaboration with Tihar Jail. Offering a unique opportunity to the women prisoners of Tihar Jail to build an holistic and independentlife after prison, Pearl Academy has set up a Fashion Laboratory equipped with all the essential facilities and tools necessary for learning basics of design & construction, in the prison premises.

Furnished with pattern making tools and sewing kits backed by the latest lighting and ventilation facilities, the Lab will provide specialized sewing machines, overlock machines, ironing machines and dress forms pattern tables with cork top. Furthermore, Pearl Academy will hold certification programs with an aim to build self-confidence within the inmates. The details of the training are given below:

• Capsules of forty-five 45 days, divided into three 3 core modules, will be used in the certificate program
• There will be three 3 such capsules in a single academic year
• Two or more trainees will be assisted for placements

Mr. Sudhir Yadav, Director General of Tihar Jail and ProfessorNandita Abraham, CEO, Pearl Academy jointly launched the fashion laboratory. Extending their support to this unique initiative aimed at skilling and hence empowering the women inmates, Mrs. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Directorate of Training and Technical Education, Government of India and Mr. Abhishek Singh, District Magistrate, New Delhi were also present at the occasion.
The initiative also garnered support from the fashion fraternity of India with the presence of Ms. Rina Dhaka, renowned fashion designer at the launch. The inauguration ceremony was followed by a joint fashion show and a cultural program by the Pearl Academy students and women inmates.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Sudhir Yadav, DG Prisons, Tihar Jail, said “It’s a unique initiative which shows the commitment of Tihar Jail to promote skill development among inmates. It will help the women inmates to learn life sustaining skills and will provide them with great opportunities to earn a livelihood in their ‘life-after-prison. I thank Pearl Academy for their continuous cooperation and efforts in establishing this fashion laboratory and setting up well thought out certification programs.”

Professor Nandita Abraham. CEO, Pearl Academyexcited about the initiative, said “Pearl Academy is committed to skill development, and this is one of a kind initiative which will help the women inmates of Tihar jail to build a new life after prison. The fashion laboratory is equipped with all the facilities and machinery needed for learning basics of design & construction skills.We are happy to be a part of Skill India Mission and also in our small way, trying our best to contribute to the society by empowering these women to help them rebuild their lives.”