Latest news with #DhananjayMahadik
Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Prada in cultural appropriation row over India's sandals design
Prada is embroiled in a cultural appropriation row over its new leather sandals design. The Italian luxury fashion label was forced to acknowledge that its new footwear line was inspired by India's famous Kalhapuri 'chappals' - handcrafted shoes known for their toe-loop design made in Maharashtra state. Prada's models had showcased the brand's new leather sandals, which look almost identical to the original, at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week last week. The brand described the sandals as 'leather footwear' but did not mention its Indian origins, prompting a furore among Indian artisans and politicians who accused the Italian giant of cultural appropriation. Thousands of Kalhapuri sandal makers complained to the Maharashtra chamber of commerce, accusing Prada of stealing their work. 'This is cultural theft. They stole and replicated our crafty work,' said Ramesh Jadhav, 55, an artisan of Subhash Nagar locality in Kolhapur. The sandals are popular across India and are often worn along with traditional Indian clothing. Dhananjay Mahadik, a member of parliament from the state's Kolhapur district, threatened legal action against Prada. Mr Mahadik said the Prada sandals are priced at approximately $1,400 a pair, while the authentic Kolhapuri sandals are available in the local markets for about $12. In response to a letter written by the Maharashtra chamber of commerce on behalf of the Indian sandal makers, Prada acknowledged its new footwear line was inspired by their centuries-old traditional design. 'We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship. Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development, and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised,' Patrizio Bertelli, the chairperson of Prada's Board of Directors, wrote. Bertelli said that the company remains 'committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities, as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft.' ' Prada strives to pay homage and recognise the value of such specialised craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage.' The sandal is named after Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra where they are made. Kolhapur, nestled in southwestern Maharashtra, is a city steeped in royal heritage and artisanal pride. Its famed sandals date back to the 12th century, with more than 20,000 local families still involved in this craft. Kolhapuri chappals are made from cow and buffalo hides, which are then tanned and sometimes dyed in natural colours. In 2019, the Indian government awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status to the sandal to mark its authenticity. This is not the first time that global brands have been accused of appropriating Indian traditional products without crediting their roots. At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Gucci described a sari worn by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt as a gown, sparking backlash.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'The Prada paradox': Maharashtra artisans meet CM Fadnavis over 'Kolhapuri chappals' at fashion show; raise GI violation issue
Prada-Kolhapuri chappals NEW DELHI: When a global luxury house like Prada walked the Milan runway with what looked unmistakably like Kolhapuri chappals, priced at over Rs 2 lakh, it ought not to have sat well with the artisans who had handcrafted the original for generations. Artisans from Maharashtra have raised alarm over what they see as a clear violation of their geographical indication (GI) rights, after Prada featured chappal-style footwear in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection without any nod to Kolhapur or its traditional craftsmen. The GI rights protect products that have a specific origin and possess qualities or a reputation linked to that location. In India, GI tags are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, who hails from Kolhapur, met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, leading a delegation of artisans. The group submitted a letter urging the state to act against what they called a cultural and commercial appropriation. Speaking to news agency PTI, Mahadik said the sandals showcased by Prada are unmistakably Kolhapuri in design, and are being sold at a staggering Rs 1.7 lakh to Rs 2.10 lakh per pair. "We want Prada to give the Kolhapuri identity to their product, and local artisans should get the revenue. If Prada gives us orders, we can manufacture for them. The Kolhapuri brand will reach globally," the BJP leader said. He added that such a collaboration would give artisans both recognition and sustainable income. Mahadik said a public interest litigation (PIL) would be filed in the high court, and he's seeking a meeting with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to escalate the matter at the national level. In his letter to the chief minister, Mahadik noted that the Kolhapuri chappal received a GI tag from the Government of India in 2019 and that Prada's Milan presentation on June 23 lacked any reference to the source community. "This kind of commercial appropriation not only violates GI regulations but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of families involved in this traditional trade," he wrote. Kolhapuri chappals, open-toe leather sandals with braided designs, date back to the 12th century and are traditionally handcrafted in Kolhapur and nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, and Solapur. Mahadik has requested the state to raise the issue with the Centre for immediate intervention. He also called for the formation of a protective framework for GI-tagged products at the state level and urged that artisans be given legal and financial assistance in cases of international misuse. He claimed that following the backlash, Prada has taken down photos of the sandals from its official website.
India Today
26-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
BJP MP seeks action against Prada for Kolhapuri Chappal GI tag violation
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to protect the Geographical Indication (GI) tag of Kolhapuri chappals after Italian fashion brand Prada showcased the traditional footwear without controversy erupted after Prada presented Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Men's Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, pricing them at Rs 1.2 lakh without acknowledging the chappals' Indian origin, artisans, or cultural significance. Mahadik alleged this act violated the Artisan Act and disregarded India's GI chappals earned a GI tag from the Government of India in 2019, and have their roots in the 12th century. They are traditionally handcrafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Mahadik said that Prada's move not only infringes on intellectual property rights but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of artisans. Calling it a direct breach of GI norms, Mahadik appealed to the state government to raise the issue at the international level and with the Centre. His son, Krishnaraj Mahadik, along with community leaders, personally handed over the letter to Chief Minister further stressed the need for immediate awareness campaigns and legal steps to safeguard the identity and heritage of Kolhapuri chappals.- EndsTrending Reel
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
International Yoga Day celebrated with great enthusiasm across state
1 2 3 4 Kolhapur: International Yoga Day was celebrated across the state on Saturday with great zeal through various activities and yoga demonstrations. Yoga poses such as Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, and Ardha Halasana were performed, along with pranayama and meditation. In Kolhapur city, yoga sessions took place at schools, colleges, the university, parks in the city, govt offices, the collector's office, Rankala lake, and other locations. A special Yoga Day event called 'Times of Yoga' was organised jointly by The Times of India and Shantiniketan School on the school campus on Saturday morning. Hundreds of school students participated in the yoga session, performing several yoga poses on the occasion. "Yoga is not just a routine but an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. All citizens, especially students, should practice yoga regularly," said district collector Amol Yedge. The collector spoke at the programme held at Mahasainik Darbar Hall, Kasba Bawda, in collaboration with the administration, the district sports council, the district sports officer's office, My Bharat, the Central Communications Bureau (Maharashtra-Goa), and Patanjali Yogpeeth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo On this occasion, the Common Yoga Protocol of the ministry of AYUSH and athletes from the district sports training centre presented yoga demonstrations. A 'Yoga-Sangam' programme was organised at Shivaji University on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday. Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, SUK Vice-Chancellor D T Shirke, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Pramod Patil attended the event along with hundreds of other yoga enthusiasts. "Yoga practice is essential for gaining positive energy, and in this regard, International Yoga Day, which started 11 years ago, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in almost all countries. This is a matter of pride," said MP Dhananjay Mahadik. Meanwhile, Patanjali Yoga Samiti Kolhapur carried out Yog Sadhana activities at 250 different places in Kolhapur city and the district, including schools, colleges, and tehsil places. On behalf of BJP in Kolhapur, Shivaji Peth Dakshin Mandal, Patanjali Varg, and Khan Vihar Mitra Mandal, water yoga demonstrations were performed in the quarry adjacent to Rankala Lake on Saturday at 7.30 am. Kolhapur: International Yoga Day was celebrated across the state on Saturday with great zeal through various activities and yoga demonstrations. Yoga poses such as Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, and Ardha Halasana were performed, along with pranayama and meditation. In Kolhapur city, yoga sessions took place at schools, colleges, the university, parks in the city, govt offices, the collector's office, Rankala lake, and other locations. A special Yoga Day event called 'Times of Yoga' was organised jointly by The Times of India and Shantiniketan School on the school campus on Saturday morning. Hundreds of school students participated in the yoga session, performing several yoga poses on the occasion. "Yoga is not just a routine but an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. All citizens, especially students, should practice yoga regularly," said district collector Amol Yedge. The collector spoke at the programme held at Mahasainik Darbar Hall, Kasba Bawda, in collaboration with the administration, the district sports council, the district sports officer's office, My Bharat, the Central Communications Bureau (Maharashtra-Goa), and Patanjali Yogpeeth. On this occasion, the Common Yoga Protocol of the ministry of AYUSH and athletes from the district sports training centre presented yoga demonstrations. A 'Yoga-Sangam' programme was organised at Shivaji University on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday. Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, SUK Vice-Chancellor D T Shirke, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Pramod Patil attended the event along with hundreds of other yoga enthusiasts. "Yoga practice is essential for gaining positive energy, and in this regard, International Yoga Day, which started 11 years ago, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in almost all countries. This is a matter of pride," said MP Dhananjay Mahadik. Meanwhile, Patanjali Yoga Samiti Kolhapur carried out Yog Sadhana activities at 250 different places in Kolhapur city and the district, including schools, colleges, and tehsil places. On behalf of BJP in Kolhapur, Shivaji Peth Dakshin Mandal, Patanjali Varg, and Khan Vihar Mitra Mandal, water yoga demonstrations were performed in the quarry adjacent to Rankala Lake on Saturday at 7.30 am.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kolhapur to Nagpur flight to operatefrom May 15
Kolhapur: A new flight service connecting Kolhapur to Nagpur will start from May 15, running five days a week. Star Airways will provide an aircraft equipped with 12 business class and 64 economy class seats. Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik made the announcement, stating that the development will boost Kolhapur's industry, trade, and tourism. The Kolhapur-Nagpur-Kolhapur flight will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It will depart from Nagpur at 10am and arrive in Kolhapur at 11:30am. The return flight will take off from Kolhapur at 12:00pm and reach Nagpur at 1:30pm. "We are pursuing the expansion of Kolhapur Airport at local and central levels. The runway extension, night landing facilities, modern fire-fighting vehicles, and a new terminal building are part of the accomplished projects. We will get more service providers on board to start the service connecting Kolhapur to other cities," said the MP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join the pirate crew Sea of Conquest Play Game Undo The service provider will run the air service between Kolhapur and Nagpur until October 25 and will continue depending on passenger demand. The travel time between Nagpur and Kolhapur by road is 16 hours, which will be reduced to 90 minutes. Shantanu Patil, an aviation enthusiast, said, "This is peak tourism time now. Many flock to Vidarbha for jungle safaris, such as Tadoba. Also, further north, tourists can visit Pench and Kanha national parks. Additionally, Nagpur residents can throng to Kolhapur to get Mahalaxmi's darshan and visit many other historical places." Kolhapur is connected to Mumbai, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru as of now. Around 450 passengers travel from the airport, which witnesses eight flight movements daily. At Kolhapur Airport, for emergency rescue services and fire mitigation, a Mobile Command Post has been brought into the fleet.
