22 May 2023  |   06:15am IST

The sole connection with Aldona’s last-surviving cobbler

Now 81, Raghoba Satardekar says he still has miles to go before he calls it a day

Cian Ferrao

ALDONA: Cycling to and from his humble shop in Aldona at the 

ripe old age of 81, Raghoba Satardekar has become a regular sight for the village’s marketgoers. 

However, most are not aware that he is possibly the area’s last surviving cobbler.

Having taken up this occupation in 1965, he persists with an unwavering determination, refusing to put down his tools just to safeguard the enduring legacy of his family’s business. From 9am to 6pm each day, he works meticulously and diligently, using his years of expertise to skilfully sew and restore the footwear of customers who visit his shop.

“Our family business started many decades ago with my father. I had the privilege of witnessing its growth since my childhood,” Satardekar says. “Carefully observing my father's expertise in the art of making and repairing shoes, I ended up acquiring the skills of this craft without any formal training.”

He took over the reins at the age of 24 and has carried it forward to this day, despite all the obstacles that might have come his way.

In 1985, he established his very own shop in the bustling Aldona market, shifting his trade from its original location near St Thomas Boys’ School in the village. At one point in time, he even made shoes for men and women, but has since stopped as it involves tedious work. Now, apart from footwear, he also repairs items like bags and suitcases.

“A vibrant team once thrived in our midst, bringing life and beauty to the craft of shoe repair. Among them were Jyothi, Shankar, and a host of other talented individuals who are now no more. As time progressed, I found myself alongside the village goldsmith as one of the last remnants of a once-flourishing community,” Satardekar says.

The Santerxette-born man even ventured into the neighbouring areas of Mapusa and Tivim where he temporarily provided services. These opportunities allowed him to broaden his understanding of the trade. To further enhance his craft, he travelled to Maharashtra’s Kolhapur where he secured a position at Pawar- Vasantrao-Pawar, a prominent cobbling shop, for an entire year. He returned to Goa with new skills and an enriched perspective.

“During the monsoon and occasional festive periods, my business runs low. As the owner of a small business, I rely on customers visiting my stall in the market, which can be negatively impacted by these situations,” he explains.

With his shelf full of shoes, and bags and suitcases lying around his little shop, Satardekar always has his hands full. In his early days by the school, he would get young students as customers seeking his help to mend their school bags, sports balls and shoes.

There is no doubt, therefore, that this humble cobbler will go down in the local history of Aldona as one of the very few villagers who stuck to this family occupation and served the people with dedication and devotion.