LIDCOM Artisans Felicitated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma

Mumbai, May 2026 : A special felicitation ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma honoured artisans associated with LIDCOM. The Governor’s wife, Smt. Sudha Dev Varma, was also present on the occasion.

LIDCOM has played a significant role in taking Maharashtra’s traditional Kolhapuri chappal craftsmanship to the global stage in collaboration with the international fashion brand Prada. The initiative has also created new employment opportunities and opened access to global markets for generations of artisans preserving this heritage craft.

During the ceremony, several artisan representatives including Saurabh Pawar, Satish Satpute, Vijay Shinde, Tanaji Kamble, Sambhaji Satpute, Anita Lokre, Arun Chapke, Suresh Awale, Sandeep Rote, and Anil Pawar were felicitated for their contribution to the craft.

Senior officials were also honoured on the occasion, including Principal Secretary of the Social Justice Department Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar, Chief Financial Officer Anand Ainwad, Factory Manager Amol Shinde, Sales Consultant Vaibhav Khate, and District Manager N. M. Pawar.

Officials said the collaboration with Prada became possible due to the coordinated efforts of the LIDCOM team and the artisans. Under the special initiative titled “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” Prada has launched a global sandal collection inspired by Kolhapuri footwear, which is now available in 40 selected stores worldwide as well as on its e-commerce platforms. The products are being manufactured in India by artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka.

As part of the partnership, the Prada Foundation will fully fund a three-year training programme for 180 Kolhapuri artisans at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Kolhapur Institute of Leather Technology (KILT).

Officials added that this recognition has further strengthened Maharashtra’s position as a state committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while promoting it on a global platform.