Dharavi Slum Tour: “Experience Dharavi, Embrace Humanity”.
Purpose and Objectives
Dharavi is often mischaracterized as a hub for criminal and anti-social activities, a stigma that overshadows the resilience, creativity, industriousness and long struggle for the basic rights of people. Our initiative, the Dharavi Slum Tour, seeks to achieve two main objectives:
- Educational and Awareness-Raising: We aim to educate both the Indian public and the international community about the real life in Dharavi. Through these tours, visitors will gain an authentic understanding of the struggles, achievements, and daily lives of people in Dharavi. By highlighting the community’s rich culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and social initiatives, we hope to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with Dharavi and replace them with a narrative of hope, perseverance, and success.
- Community Support and Empowerment: Beyond raising awareness, this initiative is also designed to generate income that will directly benefit the Dharavi community. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the income generated from these tours will be reinvested into PROUD‘s community activities. These funds will support a wide range of initiatives, including educational programs, healthcare, youth development, and women’s empowerment projects. By participating in these tours, visitors will not only gain knowledge but also contribute to the sustainable development of one of Mumbai’s most vibrant communities.
75% of the profit earned by these tours go towards Economic Empowerment of marginalised Women, Youth and Children of Dharavi.
Dharavi Slum Tour(11 am to 6 pm): (Experience the Essence of Dharavi: A 2-Hour Journey-Rs.1000/person)
Dive into the heart of Dharavi with our expertly curated 2-hour day tour. Witness the vibrant energy, ingenuity, and resilience that define one of the world’s largest slums. This immersive tour offers a glimpse into the lives, small-scale industries and culture of Dharavi’s hard-working community.
Tour Highlights:
Warm Welcome and Introduction
- Begin your journey at our meeting point(Near Ticketing Counter, Mahim-East Railway Station) with a warm welcome from your local guide.
Exploring Local Recycling Industries
- Visit small-scale industries that thrive within Dharavi, such as plastic recycling paper, tin and all kinds of recycling factories.
- Learn about the innovative processes and craftsmanship that contribute to Dharavi’s economy.
Walking Through Residential/Commercial Areas
- Stroll through the narrow lanes and vibrant residential quarters of Dharavi.
- Observe the unique living conditions and the strong sense of community among residents.
- Witnessing local shops, garment and leather works
Women’s Enterprises:
- Explore the women’s enterprises where residents make papadam.
- Experience the lively atmosphere and engage with local women.
Tea and Q&A Session
- Your tour with a refreshing cup of chai (tea) at PROUD Office.
- Participate in a Q&A session with your guide, where you can ask questions and reflect on your experience.
Potteries:
- Conclude your tour after Walking through busy 90Ft.Road to the Pottery workshop.
Farewell and Departure :
- Bid farewell to your guide and new friends, leaving with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Dharavi.
Why Choose Dharavi SlumTour: 2-Hour Day Tour?
- Authentic Experience: Gain a genuine understanding of Dharavi’s daily life and culture.
- Educational: Learn about the socio-economic dynamics, innovative and hard working spirit of Dharavi.
- Meaningful Interaction: Engage in dialogue with residents and community leaders, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of our local guides.
For bookings and inquiries, visit our website at [Dharavi SlumTour](https://prouddharavi.org) or contact us:
Prashant K Anthony, Co-ordinator, PROUD
+91 9664692998
Dharavi Slum Tour Gallery
Dharavi is an economic powerhouse in the middle of Mumbai. As an industrial centre with many small-scale industries such as, Plastic Recycling, Garment Factories, Pottery, Leather Works Etc. overflowing with small tiny houses, shops, temples and mosques .
Dharavi History:
In 1661, Dharavi was part of seven islands of Bombay which was passed into British as Dowry gift of Infanta Catharine of Portugal who married Charles II of England.
By 1780, about 100 fishermen (Kolis) were settled in Dharavi and in 1872, it came under BMC limits and all the garbage of the city was dumped.
Dharavi’ Kolis are the original settlers, In 1887Mr. Adamji Peerbhoy started leather Tanneries and 1000 labourers(Devars), were brought from Tirunalveli district of Tamil Nadu. Nadars also migrated later.
Kumbhars from Saurashtra of Gujrat came in 1895. Both Tannery Owners and Kumbhars had 99 years lease from British Establishment.
Later, by 1900, other communities like Kankayyas(Kannada & Marathi speaking) from Solapur & Gulbarga, Pardeshi Bhayyas from Uttar Pradesh & Bihar settled in Dharavi.
In 1979 a six month community organizing training programme for socially committed young graduates was started in Dharavi by the Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society(CISRS) and it’s main objectives were two-fold;
- To train young graduates how to work with poor grass-root communities through an issue-solving process.
- In the process to learn how to build-up community based secular and democratic people’s organizations.
As a result, People’s Responsible Organisation of United Dharavi(PROUD) was established in Dharavi by the end of 1979 to work for the betterment of people in Dharavi with a vision to address the pressing civic issues faced by the residents of Dharavi.