This tour was, hands down, the most insightful tour I've ever taken. Local guide Yahya, who lives in Dharavi, did a masterful job of showing how the local Dharavi economy in is so intricately tied to the global world. From the village workshops and dye houses making bags, clothing and even industrial machines equipment, it was absolutely fascinating to see how much this small city (two square Km) of over 1 million people is intricately linked to India and the wider world. As someone who works in supply chains, I appreciated the ways in which the links between this small neighborhood and the wider global economy were made strikingly apparent. Recently bought a blouse, suitcase or handbag? It might well have been made in Dharavi! That plastic yogurt cup from breakfast? It may well end up in the incredibly resourceful recycling factories of this area.
This tour did a great job of highlighting the dynamic spirit of Dharavi residents, an incredible multi-ethnic and multi-religious group of beautiful, resourceful people. This tour will forever change your opinion regarding what is a "slum" or a "slum dweller." If I could give it 10 stars I would!
