Mumbai: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi visited ‘Chamar Studio’ in Dharavi, Mumbai on March 6, 2025, where he met designer Sudheer Rajbhar and his team of artisans. ‘Chamar Studio’ is renowned for its innovative use of recycled tires to create handcrafted bags, preserving the traditional artistry of the Dalit leather-working community after which the studio is named. By blending heritage craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship, the studio not only celebrates this rich tradition but also provides economic empowerment to skilled artisans in Dharavi. Shri Gandhi, Congress leader and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, said the success of ‘Chamar Studio’ highlights how traditional artisanship and modern entrepreneurship can work together so that skilled artisans get a piece of the success they build with their own hands. “While working with Sudheer and histeam in Dharavi today, I underscored the importance of inclusive production networks that uplift skilled workers across various sectors,” he said.

During his visit, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of inclusive production networks that ensure fair opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs, particularly Dalits and other under-represented communities who often struggle to access markets and support. He highlighted how ‘Chamar Studio’ exemplifies his vision of “production and participation”—a model where artisans receive the necessary tools, networks, and institutional support to scale their work globally.

As a step towards this vision, he was accompanied by Ramchet Mochi, a skilled cobbler from Uttar Pradesh whom he first met last year and continues to mentor. Ramchet Ji’s participation in the visit fostered valuable knowledge-sharing among artisans, reinforcing the need to build collaborative networks that help traditional craftsmen expand their reach and achieve economic independence. Shri Rahul Gandhi’s visit reaffirmed his continued commitment to building a prosperous India by promoting sustainable livelihoods for artisans, strengthen India’s creative industries, and ensure equitable growth for all sections of society.

Unmindful of the questions raised over the redevelopment of the slum precinct – or perhaps because of them – Shri Gandhi spent more than two hours in Dharavi. Spread across 600 acres, the precinct is home to various small-scale industries, such as its numerous leather workshops. These will disappear as soon as the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan (DRP) begins to dismantle the neighbourhood, tear apart its social and cultural fabric, and relocate its residents, some of them in-situ, others in faraway pockets of the city.