Rahul Gandhi visits Dharavi,meets artisans

Dharavi is one of the world’s largest leather hubs, with over 20,000 leather manufacturing units employing more than one lakh workers. Among the units Gandhi visited was ‘Chamar Studio,’ founded by Sudhir Rajbhar. 

Notably, Sudheer Rajbhar of Chamar Studio is renowned for its creative approach, crafting handmade bags from recycled tires. The studio preserves the traditions of the Dalit leather artisan community, after whom it is named. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern business, the studio not only honors this rich heritage but also provides economic empowerment to the skilled artisans of Dharavi. 

The Congress leader stated, “The success of Chamar Studio demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship and modern entrepreneurship can work together so that skilled artisans can share in the success they achieve with their own hands.”

 Rahul Gandhi remarked that a prosperous India can only be built through production and partnership. He said, “The success of Chamar Studio shows that this model works, and I hope we can replicate it across India.” The leather industry workers gifted Rahul Gandhi and his family leather bags and wallets. 

Accompanying Rahul Gandhi was Ramchet Mochi, a skilled cobbler from Uttar Pradesh. Their first meeting took place last year, and since then, Gandhi has been continuously guiding him. Ramchet’s participation in this visit promoted the idea of knowledge-sharing among artisans and highlighted the importance of creating a collaborative network to help traditional artisans expand their reach and achieve economic independence. 

This visit by Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods for India’s artisans, strengthening the country’s creative industries, and ensuring equitable economic growth for all sections of society.