The Dharavi slum was founded in 1884 during the British colonial era, and grew because of the explosion of factories and residents from the peninsular city centre by the colonial government and from the migration of rural Indians into urban Mumbai. For this reason, Dharavi is currently a highly diverse settlement, religiously and ethnically.
Dharavi has active numerous household enterprises that employ many of the slum’s residents, where leather, textiles and pottery products are among the goods made inside Dharavi. The total annual turnover has been estimated at over US$1 billion.
A visit to Mumbai is not complete without a trip to this melting pot of rural diverse communities whose fortitude to survive and thrive is truly remarkable and to be admired. Despite the grim squalor and the squalid conditions, the residents truly dedicate themselves to making the most of what they have by applying a creative skill and commitment that would amaze most powerhouse CEOs.
You will see numerous recycling plastic workshops churning out millions of used plastic bottles and products into crushed pieces that are packaged for recycling.
Elsewhere, there are Leather Workshops that manufacture fine accessories for European markets, and textiles establishments crafting women’s, men’s and children’s wear for fashion houses. Do not underestimate the pride that is Dharavi. The residents are rightly proud of their accomplishments and it is truly inspiring to see that the youth want to learn and better themselves to compete with the privileged for professional jobs.
