STEPPING INTO THE FUTURE: REDEFINING INDIA'S FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

Introduction: Arushi Kalsi blends global expertise, discipline, and design-thinking to reshape Indian footwear manufacturing with innovation, structure, and a vision of sustainable excellence.

- NEHA DEEP

Arushi Kalsi: Founder, Overdrive & Stoneford | CEO, MnM shoes

Q. With your global exposure, how do you see young, globally trained entrepreneurs like yourself reshaping the future of India's footwear manufacturing story today?

A. With experience across Germany, Italy, and India, I see young, globally trained entrepreneurs reshaping India's footwear manufacturing by bringing sharper systems, disciplined craftsmanship, and global design thinking. My time in German workshops, at Peter Kaiser and Deichmann, and later in Milan, gave me a clear understanding of quality and process. Bringing that mindset home, I've seen how strongly Indian manufacturing can compete when paired with structure and vision. At Overdrive and MnM, my focus is on merging heritage with innovation. Our generation isn't imitating global standards anymore we're building in a way that positions India to lead.

2. When you stepped into the ecosystem yourself, what early moments made you feel that young entrepreneurs could introduce a fresher, more globally aware approach to everyday manufacturing decisions?