A vibrant celebration of India's rich footwear heritage has commenced in Hyderabad, bringing together scholars, designers, students, artisans, and heritage enthusiasts under one roof. The exhibition, which began on November 28, 2025, offers an immersive journey through the country's diverse shoe-making traditions.
Collaborative Effort Preserves Cultural Legacy
The significant event represents a joint initiative between Pleach India Foundation and the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI). This partnership has successfully created a platform that bridges academic research with practical craftsmanship, ensuring that India's footwear traditions receive both recognition and preservation.
Visitors to the exhibition experience a unique blend of scholarly presentations and hands-on displays that showcase the evolution of footwear across different regions of India. The setting manages to be both educational and engaging, allowing attendees to appreciate the depth of craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Diverse Participation Enriches Experience
The exhibition has attracted a wide range of participants, from established designers and academic scholars to young students and skilled artisans. This diverse gathering creates a dynamic environment where traditional knowledge meets contemporary design perspectives.
Artisans from various parts of the country are demonstrating their specialized techniques, while designers are exploring ways to incorporate these traditional methods into modern footwear. Students particularly benefit from this exposure, gaining insights that could shape the future of Indian footwear design.
The event serves as an important reminder of India's significant contribution to global footwear heritage and provides a crucial platform for the artisans who have kept these traditions alive against increasing industrialization.