New Delhi: Over 250 inmates of South Asia’s largest prison — the Tihar Jail (TJ) here — have been busy for the past two months preparing Diwali eatables from a wide variety of cookies to colourful diyas. The response from the market is so overwhelming that authorities feel this time they will earn over Rs10m during the festive season.
“Last year, the Diwali delicacies prepared by the inmates were a huge hit. So, this year, we have rolled out a wide range of cookies, naan khatai and namkeen (savouries) and decoration pieces in a special Diwali gift pack,” said Sunil Kumar Gupta, Law Officer (Jails), Delhi Prisons, who handles public relations.
With ‘TJ’s Celebrations’ inscribed on it, the gift pack is available in four varieties.
Baby Tihar has two varieties of namkeen and cookies and costs Rs90. Tihar Buzz, costing Rs150, has three types of namkeen and bhujia packets. Tihar Tokri with 10 namkeen and cookies varieties costs Rs400 and Master Tihar for Rs750 consists of 10 namkeen and cookies varieties along with spices like garam masala, kali mirch and dhaniya powder. “Unlike many other high-end brands, TJ products cost far less. Tasting like homemade goodies, many people prefer them,” Gupta said.
Last year, over 10,000 TJ Diwali gift packets were sold ahead of Diwali, fetching Rs5m.
“This year, we expect the sales to touch Rs10m,” Gupta said.
With news of adulterated sweets in the markets doing the rounds, jail authorities are hopeful that the quality and hygiene of TJ’s products would give them an added advantage as quality control is strictly enforced. “Now TJ is a brand. So, we are very strict with the quality requirements of the items we make. Special attention is given to hygienic conditions in the kitchen,” said Gupta.
‘TJ’s Celebrations’ Diwali packets are made available at all shopping complexes, in retail shopping chains like Reliance and Big Bazaar and other stores.
“With inflation hitting the roof, attractive and inexpensive Diwali gifts prepared by Tihar jail prisoners give some relief. The gift packs that are offered by TJ’s are cheap but tasty,” according to Kusum Rai, a home maker. The mother of two bought a bagful of these products to gift on Diwali, which falls tomorrow.
IANS
