π Belagavi social worker passes away at 75
G. N. Gopikrishna, a social worker from Belagavi, passed away on September 20 at Lakshmeshwar in Gadag district, Karnataka. He was 75 years old and had built a vast network of artisan communities across India and globally. He was instrumental in giving modern design to khadi and handicraft products, helping producers expand markets internationally. Notably, he fought when Prada used Kolhapuri chappal designs without permission, leading to training for local artisans. His efforts established organizations like 'Mitan' which has been exporting goods for 20 years. π