Throughout my flaneur journey it was interesting to see how wealth and poverty could occupy the same space. Vernacular and transnational urbanism served as the epitome of such notion. However, one could not exist without the other. Prior to this class I was unaware of the many injustices going on throughout the world. Moreover, I learned about many terms that not only helped me understand Mumbai, but also my surroundings, and the environments I encounter on a daily basis. After acquiring the knowledge of topics such as neoliberalism, rights to the city, evil paradises, etc. I could never view the world in the way I once did. After such exposure, I am no longer an ignorant bystander. I am now a professional Flaneur, who pays attention to hidden terms in advertisements and stark differences between nearby towns. This journey made me appreciate all of the privileges I take for granted, but most importantly, it made me realize my four month journey through Mumbai is the reality of over one million people, and it should be treated with respect.
Sucess in Dharavi
Poverty is immediately felt, as one walks through the unpaved passage ways of Dharavi. The Ramshackle buildings made out of a mixtures of found materials and corrugated tin are what slum dwellers call home. However, the slum is also home to hundreds of successful businesses filled with hard working slum dwellers. Dharavi was featured in the infamous movie Slum Dog Millionaire. It is estimated to have about 5,000 businesses and 15,000 single-room factories that produce somewhere between $700 million and $1 billion a year in revenue. As these businesses continue to expand, Dharavi has become a community linked and supported by entrepreneurship. The local businesses are providing significant income improvements to many families. Electricity, running water and televisions are now available to an increasing number of households.
Pollution
Both air and water pollution have been identified as major problems in Mumbai. The World Bank describes Mumbai’s air pollution as “severe”. In addition, Mumbai’s water pollution, states that “…about 75 per cent of all sewage is untreated and discharged to local waterways and coastal waters, causing extensive environmental hazards" (World Bank 2015). One of the main items polluted are Ganesh dolls. 15,000 dolls are disposed in the ocean every year. These dolls pose as environmental hazards as they are left scattered on the edges of the coast line..
Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai’s Biggest Festival
Ganesha Chaturthi is a 10 day Hindu festival in honor of the elephant headed god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom. Families and communities install a clay statue of the god in their home or a communal space and honor the god each day, at times led by a priest, with a variety of rituals. At the end they lead a procession with the statue to a body of water and immerse him. The immersion represents sending the god home along with the troubles of man and everyone prays that he will come again early the following year.
To read my Flaneur's diary experiences in Phoenix click on the link below