"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
21 Dec 2022
Isn’t it great that prisoners are using their time to learn new skills and will have a decent means to earn a living when they are released? That's exactly what is happening at the Almora district jail in Uttarakhand.
For the first time in Uttarakhand, the inmates of the Almora jail are trained to grow mushrooms. Two rooms have been designated for this purpose. It's been a year and the time has come to reap the benefits. The jail has produced 14 kg of mushrooms which have been sold in the market at a price of Rs 200 per kg.
At least 30 more prisoners will be taught how to grow mushrooms during the second phase of the program. According to prison director Jayant Pangti, they want the offenders to be trained and self-sufficient so that they may be self-reliant whenever they reintegrate into the mainstream population. Pangti added that apart from mushroom production, they are also providing vocational training.
Priti Bhandari, also known as the "mushroom lady" in Kuman, who began cultivating mushrooms ten years ago by utilizing conventional techniques and just gathering wild mushrooms, was roped in to train the inmates.
Bhandari’s story is also very inspiring. She currently sells mushrooms for up to Rs 18 lakh, some of which are sold to nearby states like Delhi. She also teaches locals how to grow and collect them. Bhandari received the Telu Rauteli Award, which is granted to outstanding women in Uttarakhand, for her contributions.
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