Meet The Founders

Dr. Arihant Narsu Sangave (BDS, 1972 Batch) & Mrs. Surekha Arihant Sangave

What began as a lifelong commitment to dentistry in 1977 slowly expanded into a parallel dream - textiles. In 2005, with courage and vision, Dr. Arihant and Mrs. Surekha laid the first brick of the family’s textile journey. As first-generation entrepreneurs, they navigated challenges, built relationships, and introduced powerlooms to Ichalkaranji.

For them, textiles were never just fabric—it was about creating livelihoods, building trust with workers, and weaving dignity into every thread. Their work echoed the spirit of Ichalkaranji itself—India’s Manchester of Powerlooms—a town where every street hums with the sound of weaving and every family carries the rhythm of craft.

Dr. Vijay Arihant Sangave (BDS 1995, MDS 2002) & Dr. Mandakini Vijay Sangave (BDS 2002, MDS 2008)

While carrying forward successful dental practices, Dr. Vijay and Dr. Mandakini also chose to honor the entrepreneurial path opened by the first generation. In 2016, Vijay stepped into the family textile business with a vision to modernize it.

The upgrade to Airjet Looms wasn’t just a technical leap—it was about ensuring Ichalkaranji’s fabrics compete on a global scale, keeping the town’s legacy alive for future generations. In 2023, the family established a digital printing unit, transforming traditional cotton into contemporary canvases of design.

Their belief has always been simple: "Craft with integrity, innovate with courage, and leave a mark that lasts longer than trends."

From Threads to Shirts – The Birth of "THE SHIRTCRAFT" (2025)

After decades in textiles, the Sangave family took a bold step, transforming fabric into fashion. THE SHIRTCRAFT was born as a D2C apparel brand.

 

At THE SHIRTCRAFT, every shirt is crafted with A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE in mind and made from 100% PREMIUM MERCERIZED COTTON FABRIC, manufactured in-house with personal attention to yarn quality. And the smooth feel compliments individuality. The brand is not just about wearing something stylish—it’s about slowing down, savoring life, and carrying forward the soul of a town where textiles are more than business; they’re heritage.

Every shirt is crafted from 100% cotton, sustainably produced in Ichalkaranji, and designed to celebrate individuality. The Shirt Craft is not just about wearing something stylish—it’s about slowing down, savoring life, and carrying forward the soul of a town where textiles are more than business; it's heritage.