Chandigarh’s Silent Struggle: From Avoidance to Admiration in a Cobbler’s Corridor

Initially, I steered clear of the cobbler’s corridor in Chandigarh. The sights, sounds, and smells weren’t exactly inviting.

But curiosity, as they say, eventually won. One chance encounter led to another, and soon I found myself drawn into the lives of these skilled artisans.

Their existence is precarious, their work demanding, and their earnings meagre. Yet, they persevere with a quiet dignity that is both humbling and inspiring.

These men and women, often overlooked, represent a significant segment of our urban underclass. Their stories reflect the silent struggles faced by many in our rapidly changing cities.

Their quiet resilience offers a poignant commentary on the stark realities of urban poverty and the need for more inclusive development policies. Their plight should serve as a wake-up call for us all. The city’s progress should not come at the cost of its most vulnerable citizens.