Tihar Jail & Pearl Academy jointly set up a fashion laboratory at the prison



A step towards encouraging women inmates to learn life sustaining skills


9th February 2017, Chandigarh: Pearl Academy, India’s leading institution for design, fashion and creative business took a one of its kind initiative by setting up a fashion laboratory in collaboration with Tihar Jail. Offering a unique opportunity to the women prisoners of Tihar Jail to build an holistic and independent life after prison, Pearl Academy has set up a Fashion Laboratory equipped with all the essential facilities and tools necessary for learning basics of design & construction, in the prison premises.

Cultural program performed by the students of Pearl Academy and woman inmates of Tihar Jail at the inauguration of Fashion Laboratory in Tihar Jail
 Cultural program performed by the students of Pearl Academy and woman inmates of Tihar Jail at the inauguration of Fashion Laboratory in Tihar Jail

Fashion show by students of Pearl Academy at the inauguration ceremony of Fashion Laboratory at Tihar Jail
 Fashion show by students of Pearl Academy at the inauguration ceremony of Fashion Laboratory at Tihar Jail

Rina Dhaka, Fashion Designer and Nandita Abraham, CEO Pearl Academy interacting with woman inmates of Tihar Jail at the Fashion Laboratory
 Rina Dhaka, Fashion Designer and Nandita Abraham, CEO Pearl Academy interacting with woman inmates of Tihar Jail at the Fashion Laboratory


Sudhir Yadav, DG Prisons with Nandita Abraham, CEO Pearl Academy interacting with the media at the inauguration of Fashion Laboratory at Tihar Jail
Sudhir Yadav, DG Prisons with Nandita Abraham, CEO Pearl Academy interacting with the media at the inauguration of Fashion Laboratory at Tihar Jail

Furnished with pattern making tools and sewing kits backed by the latest lighting and ventilation facilities, the Lab will provide specialized sewing machines, overlock machines, ironing machines and dress forms pattern tables with cork top. Furthermore, Pearl Academy will hold certification programs with an aim to build self-confidence within the inmates. The details of the training are given below:

·         Capsules of forty-five 45 days, divided into three 3 core modules, will be used in the certificate program

·         There will be three 3 such capsules in a single academic year

·         Two or more trainees will be assisted for placements


Mr.Sudhir Yadav, Director General of Tihar Jail and ProfessorNandita Abraham, CEO, Pearl Academy jointly launched the fashion laboratory. Extending their support to this unique initiative aimed at skilling and hence empowering the women inmates, Mrs.PunyaSalilaSrivastava, Secretary, Directorate of Training and Technical Education, Government of India and Mr. Abhishek Singh, District Magistrate, New Delhi were also present at the occasion.

The initiative also garnered support from the fashion fraternity of India with the presence of Ms. Rina Dhaka, renowned fashion designer at the launch. The inauguration ceremony was followed by a joint fashion show and a cultural program by the Pearl Academy students and women inmates.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr.Sudhir Yadav, DG Prisons, Tihar Jail, said “It’s a uniqueinitiative which shows the commitment of Tihar Jail to promote skill development among inmates. It will help the women inmates to learn life sustaining skills and will provide them with great opportunities to earn a livelihood in their ‘life-after-prison. I thank Pearl Academy for their continuous cooperation and efforts in establishing this fashion laboratory and setting up well thought out certification programs.”


Professor Nandita Abraham. CEO, Pearl Academyexcited about the initiative, said “Pearl Academy is committed to skill development, and this is one of a kind initiative which will help the women inmates of Tihar jail to build a new life after prison. The fashion laboratory is equipped with all the facilities and machinery needed for learning basics of design & construction skills.We are happy to be a part of Skill India Mission and also in our small way, trying our best to contribute to the society by empowering these women to help them rebuild their lives.”

About Pearl Academy

Pearl Academy is India’s leading institution in design, fashion and creative business and has been a catalyst to success for students across these creative industries over the past two decades. Founded in 1993, Pearl Academy is today widely acknowledged by the industry for preparing students with relevant practical and theoretical knowledge in various creative domains. Pearl Academy delivers over 30 uniquely designed under-graduate, post-graduate and professional development pathway through its campuses in Delhi NCR (East & West), Jaipur and Mumbai. Pearl Academy’s reputation of preparing ‘Industry ready’ students has been recognized by leading fashion, retail and design brands which has helped in ensuring a steady track record of securing almost 100 per cent placement record for its students.

The institution is backed by the resources and expertise of Laureate International Universities network, and a global network of renowned institutions such as London College of Fashion, Domus Academy (Italy), and NABA (Milan) amongst many others. Laureate International Universities network has a presence in 28 countries, serving more than one million students. For more information, please visit: www.pearlacademy.com