FLO Uttarakhand, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Tripti Behl, hosted a transformative, hands-on masterclass, “The Menders – Learn the Lost Art of Rafoogari.” Organized in collaboration with ShawlStory, an organization deeply rooted in a 230-year-old textile legacy, the event brought together over 75 enthusiastic students and faculty members at the B.S. Negi Women’s Polytechnic in Dehradun.
The initiative was spearheaded and smoothly facilitated by Lubna Mirza, the chapter’s Lead for Textile, Handloom & Handicraft, alongside prominent executive members like Past Chairperson Komal Batra. The core training was led by Rizwan Khan, a master Rafoogar and visual artist, who introduced participants to the precise, highly patient manual stitches required to seamlessly mend damaged clothing.
At its core, the workshop sought to revive the fading 240-year-old Indian craft of invisible mending, preventing it from becoming a forgotten relic of history. Beyond historic preservation, the event carried a profound socio-economic and environmental purpose aligned with the motto: “Because every thread has a story, and every tear deserves a second chance.” By framing Rafoogari as a low-investment, highly valued skill, the masterclass served as a tool for women’s empowerment, offering students a viable path toward sustainable, home-based entrepreneurship.
Culturally, it directly challenged modern consumerism and the heavy ecological footprint of the fast-fashion industry. By instilling a robust “Repair over Replace” mindset, the workshop successfully championed conscious fashion and the circular economy, proving that traditional craftsmanship remains a powerful, eco-friendly solution for contemporary living.