Comments on: The Hidden Factories of Dharavi

By: Sudhir Kulkarni

Sudhir Kulkarni — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:52:36 +0000

A graphic account of the life and work in Dharavi. As always your story is moving, not just because it is grounded in reality and no frill narration, but because it touches the chords deep within for the message it delivers.
The question to my mind – do we care for our fellow beings or are we getting more and more distanced from humanity and humane disposition???

By: Marcel

Marcel — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:19:31 +0000

Thanks Vivek your stories never fail to provoke emotions
Brought back vivid memories of my own visit there with a sales engineer in Xerox to see how a photocopying machine business thrives

By: Naganath Subramanian Iyer

Naganath Subramanian Iyer — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:55:26 +0000

I admire you, Sir. You take time out for understanding ground realities. Bravo!! I read somewhere and this may not be the correct quote. Nevertheless, this is what I remember "In narrow lanes life learns courage early; and dignity survives, where comfort never reached."

By: Vineet Kaul

Vineet Kaul — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:51:48 +0000

Thanks Vivek for a very good “walk thru” of an Industrial hub.After seeing the movie -‘Dayavan’, I was curious to visit Dharavi . Whilst studying at Pune, stayed beside Wadarwadi and would walk thru it .

In Mumbai, visited Dharavi twice . Once a friend took me to their NGO centre where medical/health service camp was being conducted . In the second visit , alongwith a Sales person- got the opportunity to see the work on leather being done in a small place + attic. It really surprised me to say the least. Moreover , they had no issue /complaint with working system/ place etc !!!. It was around 20 yrs back, but the hard work and spirit was visible .
Your current narration made me recall those short visits. The place has been a thriving activity centre, must contrary to perception of being just a Slum . The people live a very very tough life – the spirit often does not show as they slog it out .Thanks again

By: Varda Pendse

Varda Pendse — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:38:53 +0000

Dharavi in indeed a entreprenurial hub – all kinds of legal and may illegal enterprises operate from the location. I wish the government is be more creative, empathtic and people centric – is supportive in providing a solution to these entreprenurials. Vertical slums perhaps is not the solution !

By: Nandeeta

Nandeeta — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:37:23 +0000

When we pass through Dharavi the first thought is the filth and the second on why would someone even want to stay there . The needs and wants of life make people immune to the filth I guess. So much of migrant labour staying there because the value of money earned on Mumbai would be so much more in the villages where they come from . Ofcourse the social impact is another aspect altogether . Your last line the quote sums up everything that a migrant worker goes through.. when he arrives in Mumbai he can see what he is working towards..but going back is that even an option .. what is there back home and can he afford to ?.. ..