Ramchet, a 60-year-old cobbler from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is on the cusp of launching his own brand, ‘Ramchet Mochi,’ thanks to the unwavering support of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rae Bareli MP. What began as a chance encounter last year has blossomed into a transformative journey, with Gandhi gifting Ramchet a shoe-making machine and opening doors to new opportunities.

In February, Gandhi invited Ramchet to his Delhi residence at 10, Janpath, where the cobbler gifted handcrafted slippers to Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Most recently, on March 6, Gandhi flew Ramchet to Mumbai to meet Sudheer Rajbhar, founder of Chamar Studio, a globally recognized leather design brand. This meeting, shared by Gandhi on X, inspired Ramchet, who returned to Babuganj with big dreams. “I saw innovative designs—bags and sandals with wood and rubber. Rahul ji and Sudheer appreciated my work and urged me to aim higher,” he said.

Once scraping by on Rs 100-150 daily from repairs, Ramchet now earns thousands monthly. His business has grown, with a rented workspace, a machine, and two to three artisans assisting him. His son is also learning the craft, set to carry forward the ‘Ramchet Mochi’ vision. Gandhi’s mentorship has been pivotal, from the initial machine to connecting him with industry experts.

On X, Gandhi praised Rajbhar’s success as a model for Dalit youth, blending traditional skills with modern entrepreneurship. Ramchet’s story, fueled by this support, reflects a hopeful shift—from a roadside cobbler to a budding brand owner, aspiring to leave a mark beyond Sultanpur.