One of the most surprising aspects of the slums in Mumbai is that its residents have lived in the “city” for generations and they are remarkably self-reliant. In contrast to the homeless in the USA, the “pavement dwellers” of Dharavi are exceptionally productive. Although multi-generation families live in humble apartments of less than 200sf, they are also busy producing pottery for export and recycling the trash thrown away by less-industrious residents. Since the government of India does not provide a legitimate safety net, they have no other option — but from what we gathered on our tour many of the residents are both happy and proud of their homes and their livelihood.

Some may disagree, but Del Anderson’s post has some great pictures that illustrate his point that many Dharavi residents are indeed ‘proud and happy’.