Prisoner-made apparels to be sold ahead of Durga puja

Apparels made by inmates of Presidency Correctional Home, who have been mentored by a reputed fashion designer in city, will be available from state-run handloom cooperative outlets this Durga puja.
Apart from the diverse range of gowns, modern day jackets and Nehru jacket and tuxedo, there will be a variety of accessories like fabric-made footwear and bags made by the jail inmates on sale.
These will be put on display at different outlets of state-run 'Tantuja' as part of 'Biswa Bangla' Puja collection, the fashion designer Abhisek Dutta told PTI.
"The stitching and embroidery had been done within the correctional home(jail) premises by 40-45 convicts under the guidance of my production team for the past three months and the products have contemporary references in Indo-western style," he said.

"For instance a jacket with 'Baluchari' motif will revive the interest of a youngster about the heritage of Bengal and also help the cause of weavers of 'Baluchari' silk in the state," Dutta said.
The prices will not pinch the pocket considering the cause and the affordability of the common people, he said.

A senior officer of the correctional home said, "We are happy about the way the inmates got the training. The authorities wish that they return to the mainstream and not be ostracized. We will extend every help to realise this objective."
Dutta said the apparels made by the correctional home inmates were showcased during a recent fashion show when celebrities including eminent film makers, actors and sportspersons walked the ramp wearing them.

The show was attended by representatives of another correctional home in north India who evinced interest to take a similar initiative, he added.