Vhaan in the news
BBC followed Bhushan Kamble’s effort to sustain Kolhapuri craftsmanship by bringing dignity, continuity and a wider market to the people who make it.
Read the BBC storyEleven verified digital stories, complemented by two preserved print features and two talks.
Asked for a PGPDM success story, SPJIMR’s Dean names alumnus Bhushan Kamble and Vhaan’s work to help buyers understand what makes Kolhapuri craft special.
A national feature on the craft’s global moment, quoting Bhushan on building awareness and the surge in interest after the Prada controversy.
Bhushan’s bylined argument for stronger legal protection, collective intellectual property and a serious global-market strategy.
Economist Neeraj Hatekar profiles Bhushan’s effort to build a broad market for quality Kolhapuris without turning the craft into an elite product.
In his own bylined piece, Bhushan argues that the world must hear the full value and story of the craft—not only its low price.
A sponsored SPJIMR alumni feature in which Bhushan speaks about restoring the craft’s authenticity and the dignity of its artisans.
A lifestyle feature on artisans rebuilding after the pandemic, fair pay and the ambition to grow global demand for the craft.
The profile behind the pivot: leaving a multinational IT career to build on a family footwear tradition begun in 1976.
A filmed report on Bhushan joining his grandfather’s trade and working to secure self-respect and continuity for artisans.
An early report on the online portal connecting traditional footwear makers across Maharashtra and the border craft region with a larger market.
The founding story: four generations in footwear and a new idea to restore the regional identity of Maharashtra’s traditional chappals.
Four original pages chart the early years—from the first idea in 2017 to a growing public voice.
Select any framed clipping to examine it full screen.
The first feature · Saamana, Phulora
Four generations in footwear, an MSc in IT and a clear idea: restore the regional identity of Maharashtra’s traditional chappals—“चप्पल नव्हे, वहाण.”
Read the archived article Original page capture preserved
The online launch · eSakal
Written weeks after Vhaan went online: a new portal giving traditional footwear makers across Maharashtra a larger market and recognition for their craft.
Read on eSakal Original page capture preserved
A young founder’s path · Lokmat Yuva Star
Bhushan’s journey from IT into the family craft, told to Sagar Nevrekar for Lokmat’s Yuva Star column.
High-resolution print clipping preserved
The craft and its people · Saamana
Shilpa Surve on Vhaan’s work with artisans where they live, documenting their practice and bringing Maharashtra’s traditional footwear online.
High-resolution print clipping preservedTwo public sessions where Bhushan shared Vhaan’s founding story and the challenge of branding Kolhapuri craft.
Josh Talks Marathi · 12 November 2018 · Video
From a family of chappal makers to an online home for Maharashtra’s traditional footwear.
Watch the talkRamnarain Ruia College · Institute Innovation Council
A campus session for students on building a brand around Kolhapuri craft.
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कारागीर जगला, तर परंपरा जगेल.Bhushan Kamble · Founder, Vhaan