Ramchet, a cobbler from Sultanpur, UP, is launching his own brand, ‘Ramchet Mochi’, thanks to support from Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi provided him with a machine and facilitated a meeting with Sudheer Rajbhar, a successful leather entrepreneur, to inspire Ramchet in Mumbai. Impressed by the innovative designs he saw, Ramchet has expanded his business, moving from making Rs 100-150 from repairs to earning thousands monthly. He is also teaching his son the craft. Gandhi praised the potential of talented Dalit youth like Rajbhar and emphasized the importance of connecting artisans with opportunities for success in entrepreneurship.
Sultanpur (UP):
Ramchet, a cobbler hailing from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, is all set to unveil his own brand — ‘Ramchet Mochi’. The pivotal figure in Ramchet’s journey is Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP representing Rae Bareli, who gifted him a machine to enhance his craft.
In February, Rahul Gandhi welcomed Ramchet to his residence at 10, Janpath in Delhi, where Ramchet showcased his handcrafted slippers to Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Recently, Rahul Gandhi took Ramchet to Mumbai, facilitating a connection with Sudheer Rajbhar, a well-established leather entrepreneur and the founder of the design brand Chamar Studio. This meeting significantly advanced 60-year-old Ramchet’s journey from a small-time cobbler to an emerging entrepreneur. On March 6, the Congress leader also shared snapshots of his meeting with Ramchet on X.
After his Mumbai experience, Ramchet returned to his shop in Babuganj, filled with new aspirations.
Having never boarded a flight before, Ramchet was profoundly inspired by Rajbhar’s booming leather enterprise, which exports products globally.
“There, I observed innovative designs for bags and sandals, many incorporating wood and rubber. I also crafted purses and experimented with machine-driven designs. Rahul Gandhi and Sudheer Rajbhar commended my craftsmanship and encouraged me to elevate my work,” he recounted.
Ramchet is now imparting his skills to his son and is committed to establishing his own brand, ‘Ramchet Mochi’.
He attributes his ongoing success to Rahul Gandhi’s unwavering support.
Since his meeting with Rahul Gandhi last year, Ramchet’s business has experienced substantial growth. He has set up a machine in a rented workspace, where he now produces shoes with the assistance of two to three artisans.
His son also contributes a few hours daily to learn the craft.
Having once made a mere Rs 100-150 from repairs, Ramchet now claims to earn thousands each month.
In a post on X dated March 6, Rahul Gandhi lauded Rajbhar for epitomizing the journey of countless Dalit youth — talented and brimming with ideas, yet often deprived of access to opportunities.
Sudheer Rajbhar of Chamar Studio encapsulates the life and journey of lakhs of Dalit youth in India. Extremely talented, brimming with ideas and hungry to succeed but lacking the access and opportunity to connect with the elite in his field.
However, unlike many others from his… pic.twitter.com/VOtnA9yqSD
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 6, 2025
“Unlike many, Sudheer built his own network, recognising the skills of Dharavi’s artisans and creating a globally recognised brand. His success illustrates how traditional craftsmanship combined with modern entrepreneurship can empower artisans,” the Congress leader expressed, hoping for this model to be replicated throughout India. PTI COR CDN ARI
(Unless stated otherwise, this story has not been modified by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated source.)