Back in the year 2016, the former director-general of Tihar IPS Sudhir Yadav, reached out to a Professor of Fashion Design at Pearl Academy, Ms Bela Gupta to empower women jail inmates through some skill-based training workshops. With her expertise in design, she decided that starting a course/workshop could help her upskill those inmates in embroidery and sewing. A pivotal meeting with Dr. Sharad Mehra, President, Creative Arts Education Society (CAES) marked the inception of this association, followed by allocation of resources including five machines, two dress forms (mannequins), and basic infrastructure- laying the foundation for a pilot trial.

In April 2024, Pearl Academy felicitated former Tihar Jail inmates at its Delhi campus for successfully completing courses in pattern making and garment construction of Indian wear. The ceremony, graced by IPS Sanjay Beniwal, Director-General (Prisons) of Tihar Jail, celebrated the transformative journey of these individuals and their journey towards rehabilitation and empowerment.

The Fashion Laboratory set up by Pearl Academy at Tihar Jail aims to provide the inmates with valuable skills, fostering creativity, dignity, and a pathway to reintegration into society. Commenting on the significance of this association, Ms. Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy said, “The journey holds great importance for Pearl Academy as it involves imparting skills, instilling desire, and fostering dignity among participants through the transformative power of education. With the dedication of the inmates and external support, notably from partners like ONGC, this initiative evolved into a symbol of hope and transformation, expanding beyond mere training to holistic empowerment. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope, nurturing purpose, and dignity among the participants, demonstrating the impact of education and creativity in reshaping lives, both within and beyond the confines of prison walls.”

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the Fashion Laboratory atTihar Jail signifies a paradigm shift in rehabilitation and empowerment. It serves as a medium for skill development and creative exploration. Here, the inmates receive rigorous training in various aspects of fashion design and garment construction under the guidance of experienced faculty members from the institution.  The lab offers comprehensive training facilities, including a diverse range of machinery and specialised equipment, including single lock-stitch machines, industrial ironing machines, knitwear machines, and fusing machines. Additionally, Pearl Academy acquired a photographic machine for screen printing and a rotary machine, significantly boosting the training capabilities at the lab.

Aditi added, “Our dedicated faculty ensures valuable hands-on experience and skill development opportunities by conducting daily sessions from 9 am to 5 pm. Through this initiative, Pearl Academy aims to not only impart technical skills but also to instill a sense of purpose, hope, and dignity among participants, empowering them to transform their lives positively.”

Under the guidance of dedicated faculty from Pearl Academy, inmates engage in daily training sessions modelled after the curriculum taught at Pearl Academy campuses. The program covers a comprehensive range of skills, including pattern making, garment construction, embroidery, printing, and tie-n-dye techniques.

According to Aditi, prioritising practical skills and theoretical knowledge relevant to the fashion industry ensures holistic development and empowerment. She feels that acquiring these skills helps inmates not only enhance their employability, but also gain a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Aditi said, “The success of our initiative at Tihar Jail can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including the collaborative efforts of the partners, dedicated mentorship, and most importantly the resilience of the participants. The unwavering support of Tihar Jail authorities, coupled with the commitment of our faculty members, has been instrumental in driving the program forward.

The determination and enthusiasm displayed by the inmates themselves underscore their readiness to embrace positive change. Moreover, how the initiative has ignited a newfound ambition within the individuals, inspiring them to aspire towards careers in fashion and design.  The impact shared by those involved has motivated us to strive for equality and excellence in every aspect of the training we offer.”

The stories of two former inmates, Ada and Beena (names changed) epitomise the transformative power of education and determination to overcome adversity. Through sheer perseverance and dedication, they have not only acquired valuable skills but also regained a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Ada (name changed), who spent 15 months in jail, discovered solace and purpose in her passion for sewing, which she had nurtured since her Class XII studies. Enrolling in Pearl Academy's courses within the jail helped her hone her skills, particularly in embroidery. Despite initial challenges, Ada excelled in design, crafting designer suits, and mastering intricate embroidery techniques. After her release on February 2, 2024, she aspires to open her boutique, supported by her newfound technical skills and a supportive community. Similarly, Beena (name changed), another former inmate, found solace in embroidery during her incarceration, overcoming initial isolation. Joining the course as a distraction, she witnessed significant skill improvement. Despite managing household responsibilities, Beena stitches salwar kurtas at home, aiming to transition from factory work to building a future beyond domestic confines. Their journey serves as a source of inspiration and reaffirms our belief in the potential for positive transformation, building a brighter future even in the most challenging circumstances.

Aditi was confident in Pearl Academy’s contribution towards these inmates. “We remain steadfast in our support for former inmates, offering them employment opportunities as part of their rehabilitation and societal reintegration. We provide projects to the former inmates to keep them engaged, ensuring they remain productive and earn a livelihood”, she added.

The institution offers former inmates the opportunity to take up tailoring work at Pearl Academy during events like Lakme Fashion Week and Portfolio. This not only demonstrates the institution’s commitment to securing employment opportunities but also provides them with a chance to earn and financially support their families. A testament to the transformative power of education and rehabilitation, these platforms enable individuals to reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose besides instilling confidence and empowering them to showcase their talents and skills on prestigious platforms. By being accepted and celebrated in society, they can move on from the stigma of their past and begin anew, leaving behind traumatic experiences to embrace a life of fulfilment and opportunity.

Through collaborative projects with industry professionals and involvement in sample designing projects, former inmates are provided with avenues to apply their acquired skills and talents in real-world settings. Additionally, the institution ensures flexibility in work arrangements, allowing individuals to choose between on-campus and remote work options to accommodate their circumstances. By actively involving former inmates in these opportunities, Pearl Academy promotes inclusivity and empowerment, recognising their value and contributions to the creative community. This collaborative approach not only supports their rehabilitation journey but also reinforces their sense of worth and belonging.