Biryani for Freedom in Kerala jail

Prisoners deserve a chance of redemption. And tenure in a state prison might just be their ‘second life’ at a better future. While outside India, we have always heard of prisoners coming out as better people, who have learnt to cook, have earned college degrees and even started their own little businesses. Soon, this might be the story of Indian prisoners, as well.

Aptly named ‘Freedom Biryani.’ This delicacy prepared by prisoners turned ‘chefs’ in Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur, Kerala has been selling like hotcakes everyday.  Earlier, the prisoners were making chapatis everyday and with 35,000 being sold everyday, it was indeed a success. This encouraged the jail staff as well as the prisoners to come up with more items for the ‘take away’ menu. Today, the Kerala prison’s Biryani is being sold at Rs.60 per packet, more than 500 being sold daily.  Aside this, you can also find chicken curry, egg curry and vegetable curry, in the food sales counter of the prison.

The prison department of Kerala earns Rs.13 crore annually by just selling food but a prisoner who does these jobs related to cooking and food processing earns just around Rs.112 per day. Unfair, maybe. Long road to freedom, yes but at least they get a chance to showcase their ‘better talents’ and become a redeemed man.