Shri Kannadiga Chappal, the head of the Footwear Federation of India, (FFI) sent out an urgent message, on the collective WhatsApp group —  he demanded an immediate meeting, a clarion call, to address an issue of grave importance. He didn’t say what it was, just that it was vital to meet as a unit — the group was jolted into action — jootis, sandals, chappals of various designs and shades, mojaris, moccassins, Pathanis, Peshawaris, Padukas, Bata slippers, Carona shoes, Ulhasnagar imitation Adidaaas and Niikee, Jodhpur riding boots, crocodile skin loafers, the life and sole of the Indian footwear industry set out. They came from all walks of life, from all parts of India, they came on foot, in trains, ST buses, luxury buses, by boat, on cycles, on palanquins, in helicopters, hot air balloons, on horseback, motorcycles, they jogged, they ran, they trekked, they walked, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. And from Kutch to Kolva Beach, there were footwear of all shapes and sizes — slippers, slip- ons, sneakers, semi-formals, suede, snakeskin, they were all there, with an air of expectancy. “Finally we are all coming together”, was the general feeling. And then it all came crashing down.

Kannadiga Chappal, stood up, and addressed his colleagues

“Good morning all, I would like to bring to the notice of this august gathering, we have to address the Kolhapuri-Prada controversy that is raging in the world… it affects us all”