They were three sisters, rag pickers.
While my guests were busy admiring the architecture, I coaxed the three into posing for me. The third sister was camera-shy, but relaxed when I spoke in Tamil.
Where do you live, I asked them. They said, "We live in Matunga Dharavi, and you?"
And in an instant, what started out as an interview, memsahib talking to commoner, became a conversation among equals.
I was going to wear my environmental hat, and ask them about recycling, waste hazards and self-help groups. Instead, we spent the time chatting about our families and roots and life in the city of Mumbai.
I was richer for it.
- Deepa
While my guests were busy admiring the architecture, I coaxed the three into posing for me. The third sister was camera-shy, but relaxed when I spoke in Tamil.
Where do you live, I asked them. They said, "We live in Matunga Dharavi, and you?"And in an instant, what started out as an interview, memsahib talking to commoner, became a conversation among equals.
I was going to wear my environmental hat, and ask them about recycling, waste hazards and self-help groups. Instead, we spent the time chatting about our families and roots and life in the city of Mumbai.
I was richer for it.
- Deepa
More Dharavi tales here: https://mumbai-magic.blogspot.com/search?q=dharavi
5 comments:
How interesting to talk about something like that without any inhibitions. How many people would do that in Mumbai? Great reading your blog entries out here.
Cheers,
Aadil.
I appreciate your patience.
It very nice to see people like you.
Keep it up,
Ravi, Bangalore.
How magnanimous. You spoke to slumdwellers and instantly blogged about it. Worthy of a book.
I wish people leaving sarcastic comments would have the courage to leave their names or links to their blogs as well! The internet produces so many cowards.
This is a great article. The fact that you bought a smile to their faces changes everything for them.
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