Dharavi’s Powerful Spirit: Lessons in Hope, Hustle, and Doing More

- As the founder of Green Pistachio, I have been fortunate enough to be invited to my fair share of sustainability events, factory visits, and community projects. But nothing quite prepared me for the experience of visiting SNEHA NGO’s work site in Dharavi, where we were covering a visit from Epic Foundation, one of their generous donors.

Walking into the community center, I was instantly struck by the hum of activity. The room, though small, had walls painted a cheerful yellow, and the roof looked like it had weathered its fair share of Mumbai monsoons. But none of that mattered once the people in the room started sharing their stories. As the day progressed and we walked through the narrow winding streets to tiny homes and met people whose lives SNEHA NGO had touched, I was hit by a wave of emotions. So many that I felt an almost compulsive need to share them and inspire you, our GP community, to take note of the power of collective action.

Awe: The Power of Grassroots Work

The women at SNEHA NGO are nothing short of superheroes. Not the kind that fly or wear capes— instead don sarees and dupattas—though I wouldn’t be surprised if they secretly had superpowers, but the kind that roll up their sleeves and take on the impossible every single day. They work with mothers, children, and entire communities to provide healthcare, support, and life skills training in one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

And here I was, worrying about whether my reusable water bottle was sustainable enough.

There was something deeply humbling about watching them talk about their work with such quiet confidence. When the founder, Dr. Armida Fernandez stood up to speak, her presence was commanding and full of warmth. She didn’t need a PowerPoint or statistics to prove her point—her stories did all the talking. Stories of malnourished babies now thriving, of women who found the courage to leave abusive situations, of communities slowly learning that their wellness mattered.

Inspiration: The People Making It Happen

And then, there was Epic Foundation. A team of people who could have been sitting in a corporate boardroom or holidaying at a grand destination somewhere but instead chose to spend their time and resources supporting causes that actually change lives. Seeing them interact with the SNEHA NGO team and project participants (they don’t prefer the term “beneficiaries”, as I was gently reminded during one conversation) made me realise how vital it is for organisations to collaborate—not just with funds but with intention.

There was something deeply moving about watching a donor not just write a cheque but take the time to visit, listen, and understand. Because if we’re being honest, charity often exists in a distant, abstract form—something we disconnectedly donate to online or read about in reports. But here, in Dharavi, it was real. It was tangible. It had connection. It was in the bright eyes of a baby watching her mother speak. In the quiet dignity of young volunteers who had once struggled through adolescence but now worked with the foundation to help others like them.

The Shift: We Need to Do More

I’ll admit it—I left that visit feeling equal parts inspired and slightly rueful. Inspired by the people who dedicate their lives to this work. Rueful that I (and so many of us) do so little in comparison. Sure, we run a sustainability-focused company. Sure, we write about upcycled fashion and ethical business practices. But this visit made me question whether we’re truly doing enough for our own communities.

We talk so much about sustainability in terms of the planet, but what about social sustainability? What about lifting people up, providing opportunities, and ensuring that communities like the ones in Dharavi aren’t just surviving but thriving?

It’s easy to think that change happens in grand, sweeping gestures. But the truth is, it happens in small, everyday actions—like the women of SNEHA NGO showing up to work each morning. Like donors who don’t just give money but invest in understanding. Like people who choose to care, even when they don’t have to.

A Lighthearted Reminder (Because We All Need One)

Before we left, someone asked if we’d be writing nice things about them. “Of course!” I said, slightly embarrassed at how much I had been quietly but keenly observing their every word and action. She laughed. “Good. Just don’t make us sound too serious. We’re also just normal people who like to have fun too, you know.”

And that’s the thing. These weren’t stories of pity or struggle alone. They were stories of resilience, laughter, and a community that found joy even in the face of adversity.

So here’s to them. And here’s to all of us finding ways to do more—not just for the planet but also for the people who call it home.

Let’s Step Up and Support Change

The work that SNEHA NGO does is a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about people, too. By supporting organisations like SNEHA NGO, whether through funding, partnerships, or simply spreading awareness, we can help build stronger, healthier communities. And when we do that, we’re not just supporting individuals; we’re contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering social equity, and ultimately, creating a better planet for everyone.

If you’d like to contribute to a meaningful cause and support SNEHA NGO’s mission, please make your donation here: https://www.snehamumbai.org/donate/. 

You can also volunteer by filling out the form here: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRnxbmqWD60uTM5KOMt6NgN2F-6Uq4UQzE6gMudD8iqdCzoQ/viewform].

Referal Link: https://greenpistachio.in/dharavis-powerful-spirit-lessons-in-hope-hustle-and-doing-more/