Kanpur's Rajendra Jalan is sewing eco-friendly shoes to curtail pollution levels

Rajendra Jalan, a Kanpur-based shoe manufacturer associated with the city's leather industry for decades now, has come up with a feasible and exclusive idea to curtail pollution levels. He is manufacturing eco-friendly shoes out of special khadi cloth, cork-mixed rubber from Kerala, latex foam, jute and special nylon threads while advancing the cause of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

A sustainable future in sight

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Jalan has been a part of the leather industry since 1974, after completing his chemical engineering from the city's Harcourt Butler Technological Institute. He owns two shoe units in Panki and Kanpur Dehat and his shoes are exported to the US, Spain, Germany, Australia, South America and South Korea.

Speaking about his venture of making eco-friendly shoes during this lockdown period, Jalan mentioned that the corona outbreak has changed a lot of things. "People have become aware of health and environment. In such a situation, I felt that the future would be of sustainable and eco-friendly things. So, I thought of making eco-friendly shoes with fully hand-woven khadi cloth", he stated.

The Process & Packaging

Cork, mixed with rubber, is used to make the shoe sole whereas latex foam will be used for inner sole, while Jalan is using khadi cloth to make the shoe's upper part and jute for the back support. The stitching is being done by specially-made nylon threads and the shoes are being packed in a recycled paper box.

An attempt towards the idea of a self-reliant India

Rajendra had further contacted Additional Chief Secretary of the Govt. of U.P. Khadi & Village Industries, Navneet Sehgal, who not only encouraged him but also stood by him for assistance. According to Jalan, the eco-friendly shoes made by him was possible within such a short time span only because of Sehgal, who helped him in procuring khadi cloth at a quick pace.

Terming his venture as an attempt towards the idea of a self-reliant India, Jalan said that he is hopeful that these shoes will get national as well as international recognition. "This will help in promoting entrepreneurship in the country and employment opportunities will be created by promoting cottage industry", he added.