Mackenzie #607 City of Dreams Imagine a squalid place with extreme poverty, scarce water sources, limited electricity,

open sewers, and no private bathrooms. It may seem bad, but the occupants are filled with hope of a better life for themselves and their children. Welcome to Dharavi. Dharavi is located in the prosperous city of Mumbai India. The people of Dharavi, Indias largest slum, are living in these rigorous conditions. Almost like sardines, one million people are densely crammed into one square mile. Dharavi is built on the perseverance of its own people- a determination to make their dreams come true. First, a single mother Laxmi works constantly to provide a proper education for her daughter. Laxmi works as a ragpicker (recycling used materials) and makes $100 a month sorting trash. Her job is pretty dangerous. She is exposed to disease, chemical waste, and industrial waste. Laxmis dreams are to benefit other slum-dwellers through a charity called the Acorn Foundation and to give her daughter, Sheetal, an education. Laxmi believes that a good education is the key to a better life. To accomplish her dreams Laxmi pays for the schooling of her daughter and contributes time and money to her charity. Its really amazing that even in her condition, Laxmi spends her time helping others. Second, a twelve-year-old boy, Jigha, lives with his father in their tidy, well-kept, one-room apartment located in the pottery district. Jighas father works as a tailor right in their own home. Jighas dream is to become a scientist. He truly believes that anyone can do what rich people can. To accomplish his dream he is studying hard and going to extra classes. This boy even takes time out of his own day to go to volunteer centers where he learns skills like speaking English.

Its really amazing that even in their conditions, Jigha and his father are really trying by working hard in hope of making their dreams come true. Finally, Shailesh, whose first priority is to provide for his family, strives to become an actor. Shailesh is a rickshaw driver and makes $240 a month. His dream is to become famous in Bollywood. Shailesh is working toward this dream by taking acting classes and dancing classes that will teach him how to be successful. Also, Shailesh is starring in multiple music videos; singing and dancing. Its really amazing that someone with so many obstacles and responsibilities can stick to the motto I wont give up. In conclusion, Dharavi is built on the perseverance of its own people- a determination to make their dreams come true. However, the people of Dharavi are at high risk right now. In 2007, a plan was made to bulldoze Dharavi and sell the land for ten billion dollars. Mumbai, India wants to become Asias premiere city and disgusting Dharavi is holding it back. So the people of India are debating whether or not Dharavi should be able to stay. Some say that the citizens of Dharavi have the right to keep their home and that Dharavi is useful because of the many exported products it sells to Mumbai every single day. Others think that leveling Dharavi would be a great opportunity for Mumbai and its business. This is another example that despite the challenges they face, people like Laxmi, Jigha, and Shailesh still have hope for a better life. Dharavi is a city of dreamers.