Chandigarh, September 25, 2025-Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Mr. Gulab Chand Kataria today inaugurated the AVISHKAR (Academy for Vocational Innovation, Skill, Hope, Knowledge and Reform) Academy at Model Jail, Chandigarh.

In his address, the Governor said that the AVISHKAR Academy is not just an institution, but a symbol of hope, skill, innovation, and reform. Its objective is to empower prisoners through education, skills, and creativity, enabling them to lead a respectable life after release and integrate into mainstream society.

The objective of the AVISHKAR Academy is to provide education, skills, and creative opportunities to prisoners so that they can become self-reliant and, upon release, live a respectable life and join the mainstream of society. The academy offers facilities such as a Music Section, Painting, Art & Craft, Candle and Gulal Making, a Library, an IGNOU Study Center, and a Tailoring Section.

Previously, all vocational activities were conducted in Barrack No. 6, which has now been reserved solely for prisoner accommodation. Established in the newly developed Four-Cell Ward, the academy features a Music Section, Painting, Art & Craft, Candle and Gulal Making, a Library, an IGNOU Study Center, and a Tailoring Section.

The academy was established as part of the Seva Pakhwada, which is being celebrated from the birthday of the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, until October 2nd. This day also marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, making the occasion even more significant.

Home Secretary Shri Mandeep Singh Brar, IG Prisons Shri Pushpendra Kumar, Additional IG Prisons, Chandigarh, Dr. Palika Arora, and other senior prison officials were present on the occasion.