The Reality of Barefoot Lives
Varun Hiremath and Hiremath Foundation have initiated a program called the "Footwear to Futures program" which is an admirable program that aims at giving new pair of shoes to both children and adults in rural and tribal villages in India. The aim is easy to achieve: no one should be forced to walk on the rocky paths, thorny fields and rugged terrain that can cause painful cuts and severe infections. These new shoes are also helping them to protect their feet, but also to feel a sense of peace and dignity and move with more comfort and confidence knowing they are the ones being seen and taken care of. It is a little thing that helps a lot in their day-to-day lives.
A Small Act with Big Impact
The Hiremath Foundation used a simple and strong gesture of kindness to start the Footwear to Futures campaign. In this program, they gave out season-appropriate footwear, comfortable, and durable shoes to the needy. It was a compassionate move that not only brought together a healthier population, but also brought back the honor and provided them with new life opportunities, which later changed the lives of rural Indian people. It is incredible how simple things like a pair of shoes can change a community so significantly.
A Day That Changed Many Feet
In Karjat, around 120 children lined up on a rainy morning awaiting a pair of slippers. For most of them, it was a kind of protection to their feet. After wearing the shoes, they were thrilled and their smiles seemed priceless.
One child expressed:"Now I won’t get scolded for coming to school with muddy feet."
Each donation comes with more than just a pair of shoes—it also includes:
- Simple hygiene training to support hygiene and health.
- Foot-check visits with local health workers to prevent and cure infections.
- Monsoon school bags that will keep the kids ready to face the rainy season.
Who It Helps
The Footwear to Futures was designed for multiple groups in rural areas:
- Children: Healthy feet and reducing injuries and infections; This goal aims to decrease absenteeism caused by foot injuries and infections, as well as to improve school attendance and concentration in their education.
- Elderly: Comfort and support, alleviating pain and increasing mobility on rough surfaces, increasing self-sufficiency.
- Women: Promoting their involvement in community programs and self-help group activities, and empowering them to take the lead in the community.
Stories from the Ground
It is not the transformation of feet, but of lives. Some of the stories of impact of individuals who have benefitted by this initiative are as under:
- Gauri, 11, from Deolali: "I used to get blisters every week from walking barefoot. Now, I can run in the rain without worrying about getting hurt."
- Laxman, 58, farmer from Shahapur: "This is the first time in my life I’m wearing proper shoes. It feels like I matter."
These simple acts of kindness brought dignity and comfort to people who had never had the opportunity to experience them.
A Movement Gaining Footing
The Footwear to Futures initiative grew massively:
- More than 3,000 pairs of footwear have already been distributed to children and adults in four districts, making a difference in their everyday life.
- The Hiremath Foundation cooperates with local shoemakers, supporting rural artisans and advancing traditional crafts.
- The campaign is linked with school enrollment drives—families are encouraged to send children to school, while the foundation provides essential items for education.
- By connecting footwear distribution with education, the initiative not only protects young feet but also builds a pathway to health, dignity, and learning in rural areas.
As one recipient said:
You can’t walk toward opportunity if you’re injured at every step.
With these simple, life-changing gifts, the foundation not only brings dignity but also prepares people for a better future.
How You Can Step In
You can also be a part of this initiative and make a difference in society:
- Give away new or used footwear to the needy.
- Host shoe drives within your city or community to collect shoes to donate to rural communities.
- Fund a rural school packet, comprising shoes, socks, and hygiene products, so that students can go to school with what they require.
Because Dignity Begins with Something as Small as a Sandal
Finally, the Footwear to Futures program can be seen as an act of charity, but the impact it has on people's lives is truly immense. Through the provision of footwear, it has granted those in underserved communities dignity, solace and an opportunity to navigate their lives with confidence and grace. Come join us as we embark on this collective journey to make this world a better place - one that is welcoming, inclusive of all rural communities in India, and fosters their ability to thrive and be valued.
