Dharavi Slums - Mumbai


Children in Mumbai's slums, particularly in areas like M-East, Ambujwadi, and Dharavi, face severe poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to basic amenities, making them vulnerable to neglect, malnutrition, and exploitation. Despite these challenges, many show resilience and pursue education through organizations like Pratham, with some achieving big dreams through community-based initiatives and art-based learning.


On my travels to the Dharavi slum I met many of the children living there and experienced the pure joy they have despite their living conditions.

Three boys play cricket in a narrow urban alleyway with weathered yellow walls and a parked motorcycle.
Children and teenagers gather in a crowded urban courtyard with parked scooters and laundry hanging on walls.
Three Indian boys sitting outside a weathered building, one eating a snack in an urban neighborhood.
Three Indian boys gathered outside a worn building wall, one child eating while others watch closely.
Two young Indian boys standing together in a dusty outdoor area, one with arm around the other.
A young Indian toddler in a dirty purple shirt holding a blue plastic bag in a slum area.
Three young Indian children posing together outdoors in a rustic neighborhood setting with a cow nearby.
Three smiling Indian children posing outdoors, one flashing peace signs and another holding a small fruit.
A young Indian boy in a plaid shirt holding a plastic water bottle while standing on bare ground.
A group of cheerful Indian children posing and flexing muscles outdoors in a dusty playground area.
A large group of smiling Indian children gathered together outdoors, waving and posing for the camera.
Group of smiling children posing and making peace signs in an urban neighborhood in India.
Children playing cricket in a dusty street in an urban slum area with animals nearby.
Young girls in colorful clothing enjoying street food snacks in a narrow alley in India.
Black and white photo of children playing cricket in a poverty-stricken urban neighborhood.