“ Dharavi is like “Sone Ki Chiriya” (a golden bird), if you let it free it would spread prosperity all over, but everybody wants to cage it for their personal gain…let’s hope that it retains it’s freedom in the future .” –anonymous, worker at Dharavi.8 th May, 2009.
I have been discovering and rediscovering Dharavi a many a times.While in India it was just an ordinary slum to me known of its expanse, crime and life as featured in the movies or documentaries. My bias introduction to the place was through the professional lens of photographers .They never talked about the rich livelihood over there.The images of naked children, the poverty, the struggle of their daily live was a commodity for their magazine cover pages.Although I was not naïve to the slums of India,Dharavi did’nt pertain to any such criteria to allow me to make an comparison.
I refrained myself from taking photographs as not to miss the experience that was so overwhelming…I was constantly comparing it with other slums of India and how Dharavi has emerged as a champion in the struggle.As the mini city moves towards it future...I see hope shining in the sparkling eyes of the people...I wish that those dreams are fulfilled...their "sone ki chiriya" remains free for ever.
Debeshi
Showing posts with label Debeshi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debeshi. Show all posts
Saturday, 6 June 2009
At home as a stranger....
The journey of a Lifetime.
“Madam you are from which country?”
I hated this question…everytime it was asked to me. Myself and Pooja being the only native in the team were often mistaken.(I see no reason of doing that although..we perfectly look Indian.)But this question reminded me everytime of my purpose of being here with a team of 40 other students from different countries.I was back in my country after 8 months but not for a family visit but with a purpose.
My concerns about the trip....
The destination Mumbai for the field trip has been a bit concerning for me from the very beginning.I was concerned for all my classmates after the 26/11 /09 attack on Mumbai.I was apprehensive about their safety during the elections and their ability to adjust in the new climate.Today I must say I ‘am happy that we went there with a group of varied cultural background to introduce them to a culture,climate and people which have touched their lives for sure.Looking into the city with multlicultural team made me think differently about a lot of things(including cows..). I must congratulate all of them for making it so wonderful and memorable.Although the trip gets over here…the learning and the happy memories goes beyond!
Debeshi.
“Madam you are from which country?”
I hated this question…everytime it was asked to me. Myself and Pooja being the only native in the team were often mistaken.(I see no reason of doing that although..we perfectly look Indian.)But this question reminded me everytime of my purpose of being here with a team of 40 other students from different countries.I was back in my country after 8 months but not for a family visit but with a purpose.
My concerns about the trip....
The destination Mumbai for the field trip has been a bit concerning for me from the very beginning.I was concerned for all my classmates after the 26/11 /09 attack on Mumbai.I was apprehensive about their safety during the elections and their ability to adjust in the new climate.Today I must say I ‘am happy that we went there with a group of varied cultural background to introduce them to a culture,climate and people which have touched their lives for sure.Looking into the city with multlicultural team made me think differently about a lot of things(including cows..). I must congratulate all of them for making it so wonderful and memorable.Although the trip gets over here…the learning and the happy memories goes beyond!
Debeshi.
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