Indian artist works with low-caste Dalits to launch sustainable handbag brand

An Indian artist has launched a handbag studio that employs craftsmen from among the Dalits or “untouchable” community, considered outcasts in traditional Hindu social hierarchy. The Chamar people from among this group are usually leather workers, who have seen their livelihoods threatened by a government war on cow slaughter that has cut off access to raw materials for the industry. Artist Sudheer Rajbhar came up with a plan to hire Chamars to make handbags out of recycled rubber, and has started the Chamar Studio to help the marginalised community reclaim their social identity.