The efforts of six inmates, who had been convicted for various crimes, including murder, have turned out as lovely Christmas stars, the beauty of which surprised onlookers.
The Christmas stars made by the inmates of the Central Prison, Poojappura, astonished those who had arrived at the prison for the inauguration of the sales. Around 1,000 stars were made by the inmates of which as many as 50 were sold on the very day of the inauguration of sales.
“It was last year that we started the production and sales of Christmas stars. Last time, there was a sale of 750 stars. This time, we have made around 1,000 stars and the number would rise if demand goes up,” said superintendent of Central Prison B Pradeep.
The stars, like other products of the prison, are being sold at a price which is less than the market price. There are stars from Rs 40 to Rs 70. They are sold through the outlet in front of the prison which has been set up for the sale of prison-made chapatis and also through a makeshift outlet near the temple inside the prison compound.
Christmas stars are being made solely from the Central Prison and no other jail in the state has started this venture. The inauguration of the sales of the stars was done by actor Sona Nair on Tuesday by handing over a star to Father Alexander Kureekkattil. B Pradeep and other prison officials were present.