Rajasthan is known to induct unique corrective measures in its jails rather than punishments to reform its inmates. The newly launched ‘Freedom Manchala’ is a stepping stone towards the same. Under this titular initiative, about 100 inmates from the Jaipur Central Jail, Bikaner Central Jail and Dausa Central Jail are being taught the art of carpet weaving.
Jaipur Rugs and Prison Department have joined forces to bring along a change, reforming the inmates, while boosting their creativity to launch a full-fledged carpet line. This will also inculcate a sense of achievement among the cellmates.
Freedom Manchaha, a source of socio-economic empowerment
Filling the gap between the weaver at the grassroots and the urban consumers, Jaipur Rugs is involved in a mission to revive the dying art of carpet weaving and will explore this opportunity to pace its vision. “This innovative initiative by Jaipur Rugs and the Prison Department is a much-needed one. Through this, prison inmates are trained in rug weaving and production and their efforts get appreciated globally, leading the way for reformations. The earnings from this initiative help the families of the inmates. Additionally, 25 per cent of the earned income goes to the victim’s families,” said Rakesh Mohan, Jail Superintendent, Jaipur Central Jail.
The Founder of the Jaipur Rugs Company, NK Chaudhary believes, “Let goodness, fairness and, most importantly, love prevail in business. Profits will inevitably follow,” Under the ambit of Freedom Manchaha, inmates will be able to open a bank account to receive payments for their work directly, which will be beneficial for them as well as their families. These training and workshops will open a source of income for the inmates, providing them with socio-economic development, empowering them to lead a sustainable life, with support.
The unique knots of Freedom Manchaha
The Freedom Manchaha collection is an ode to these inmates who want to express themselves creatively and still support their families through the odds. Conceptualised by Kavita Chaudhary, Design Director, Jaipur Rugs, the Manchaha initiative has won eight global design awards such as the German Design Award, EDIDA (ELLE DECOR Design Award) Carpet Design Award, iF Design Award, Kyoorius Design Award and European Product Design Award.
This campaign will provide an opportunity to inmate weavers, to design their own rug for the first time in the state. Each rug is an intricate piece, knotting 2,00,000 twists, using leftover handspun yarn, including wool and bamboo skill. This will also help to reduce industry-wide wastage that previously had no solution and help to create a new line which will make its colour palette as unique as its design.
