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Dahi bhallas to kill for, served by friendly felons

Last Updated 29 July 2014, 15:22 IST

If you are really hungry and passing by the lanes of Jail Road in West Delhi, then do halt at Tihar Food Court for a delectable lunch. Considered to be the pioneer in the field of prison reform all over the world, Asia’s largest prison, Tihar Jail has recently started a restaurant — the ‘Tihar Food Court’ as a rehabilitation initiative. The food court is situated adjacent to Gate no. 3 of the prison complex.

The food court is an addition to the already existing furniture showroom and bakery section and is being managed by seven inmates who are involved in the preparation of the various food items. Ranging from samosas and sandwiches to thali, the food court offers a wide variety of dishes at a reasonable rate with popular and fast-moving items being kesar lassi and dahi Bhalla.

Lined with wooden furniture, the air-conditioned room also exhibits dazzling paintings done by the inmates themselves giving it an artistic ambience. Capping this is an outside seating arrangement that comfortably accommodates at least 10 people. The cafeteria is open from 11 am to 3 pm for lunch and 7 pm to 10 pm for dinner with the provision of home delivery (only if the order exceeds Rs 300)!


Started on an experimental basis, the food court is expected to be fully operational after taking in view the reception to it, followed by formal clearance from the authorities.


“This is my second visit here, and I find dahi bhalla and kesar lassi very delicious. I intend to come here with my friends again,” said Vishal, a customer. The restaurant has also been receiving rave reviews regarding its hygiene and humble service. “Unlike other regular restaurants, I find this place very tranquil and hygienic,” said Dharmendra Kumar, another customer who is pleased with the entire serving mechanism.


The inmates have been selected on the basis of their good conduct and are trained in the hospitality and hotel management sector. “I feel very good about the posi-tive respon-se that we are
receiving.

I believe that my good conduct would further help me get a reduction in my senten-ce,” said Mohammad Asim, who has spent 14 years in jail. “I will start my own hotel or a gym centre once I am set free,” he added. Sukhdev Thuri , another inmate who runs the adjacent bakery shop says that it is because of their good conduct that they have been shifted to a semi-open jail and it feels good to come outside and talk to regular people. He believes that Tihar Jail is an ideal place for the convicts to get themselves rehabilitated.
 
Speaking to Metrolife, Tihar Jail spokesperson Sunil Gupta said “the primary idea behind this initiative is to give inmates a chance to mingle with the society. This would not only act as a morale booster to them but also gain them an employment opportunity”.

“All the inmates have ser-ved almost 12 years of senten-ce and had undergone proper training for two months in hotel management,” he added.

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(Published 29 July 2014, 15:22 IST)

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