By TOMAS URIBE, 8/22/2014. Dharavi, being one of the biggest slums in the world, has many challenges regarding waste management, transportation, garbage disposal, and clean water. Clearly, families living in Dharavi cope with this situation by taking part in traditional and ludic activities such as praying, dancing, singing, and celebrating religious holidays. While working at Dharavi, we were invited not only to interview the children’s parents in their own homes, but have the opportunity to share with them some time, talking about music and art, and how Mewsic has influenced positively their children’s lives.
One of the interviews we conducted was with Sanjay (Mahesh’s student)and his mom, a women head of household, who just 4 years ago lost her husband due to asthma complications. She lives with Sanjay in a small yet humble, 9 sq mt house in the middle of Dharavi; a little over 15 minutes away from the Mewsic Center. While interviewing her, one could sense her devout religiousness and hard-working attitude. Being a single mom is definitely not an easy task, but she was confident when saying the communication with his son has improved immensely since he started playing the guitar and flute at the Mewsic Center. She saw Sanjay perform at the Music Mela (a performance event with music presentations) and was so overwhelmed with his performance, she couldn’t help it and started crying while her interview. One of the several testimonies we got this day in Dharavi (in addition to Kaajal and her mom), also from parents who see in their child hope of a better future, serves as an example of how music empowers these children, and how through music, they have a chance of gaining another perspective of life, despite their socio-economic situation. Continuing with more footage and looking forward to additional tutor interviews and parents with their kids.