Sun Mar 30 17:12:54 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Cobblers Face Extinction Amidst Changing Times
**CHENNAI, March 31, 2025** – The age-old profession of cobbling is facing a crisis in Chennai, with experienced artisans struggling to make ends meet as the business dwindles. Three veteran cobblers shared their stories, highlighting the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world.
Lakshmi Selvam, a 56-year-old cobbler with 30 years of experience, reported a drastic decline in her business. While some days are better than others, the overall trend is sharply downward. Similarly, Y.M. Srinivasan, 56, who commutes daily to a busy location to find customers, struggles particularly during the monsoon season. He learned the trade from his father and has witnessed the profession’s decline firsthand.
M. Ravikumar, 62, who started as a repairman before becoming a cobbler in 1980, experienced a significant setback during the COVID-19 pandemic. He now works in a shop, highlighting the shift from independent work to employment.
All three cobblers attribute the decline to the rise of online shopping and disposable footwear. Customers increasingly opt to replace worn-out shoes rather than repair them, leading to a lack of demand for cobbler services. They fear the complete disappearance of their craft unless people begin to value the skill and longevity it offers. The cobblers’ experiences paint a picture of a dying tradition struggling to survive in the modern marketplace.
First Piper 