The unseen Mumbai

I never imagined I would witness the essence of a village right in the heart of Mumbai, where the lives of children tell a story of resilience and hope. As I walked through the streets of Ambujwadi, a small urban slum community in Malad West, I was greeted by children running with school bags and candies in their hands, their laughter echoing through freshly laid cement roads. The familiar fragrance of fresh cow dung filled the air, while the sight of kids playing near newly constructed houses and the aroma of food being cooked on a traditional "Chulha" added to the vibrant yet challenging scene. 

Ambujwadi, despite being a part of Mumbai, feels like a world apart from the city’s gleaming image. The children here grow up in a community that faces significant challenges. Damaged roads, overcrowded homes without ventilation, and inadequate healthcare are just a few of the hardships.

Many houses lack basic amenities like washrooms, leaving children and their families to rely on common facilities that are often blocked due to overuse. Despite these struggles, the children of Ambujwadi radiate an infectious sense of joy and curiosity, finding moments of happiness amidst their difficult surroundings. 

Back in 2004, the community was composed entirely of temporary “kaccha” houses, which were demolished by the BMC as the residents didn’t have official rights to the land. Yet, families, including children, remained resilient. They stood their ground, rebuilding their lives brick by brick. A model house was constructed at the center of the community, serving as a template for the homes that followed. 

Today, Ambujwadi’s children continue to face the repercussions of these struggles. The lack of clean roads and proper sanitation impacts their well-being. The scarcity of healthcare facilities means that illnesses, especially among children, often go untreated due to the distance to government hospitals. Safety concerns further limit their freedom, with many parents hesitant to let their kids play outside after dark. 

Also, at the far end of the community, green grass, mangroves, and small vegetable patches provide a stark contrast to their daily struggles, offering a glimpse of nature and resilience. Some families, who have been living here for over 20 years, share stories of gradual change and how their children have grown up navigating these evolving circumstances. 

Mothers in Ambujwadi work tirelessly, earning meagre wages to sustain their families and ensure their children’s basic needs are met. Tasks like sticking 144 stones onto jewellery pieces or painting 12 items earn them only 2 rupees and 1 rupee respectively. Yet, these small earnings are crucial, especially because water is scarce, and they often have to buy it at high prices to meet their children’s needs.

One of the most pressing concerns we identified was the health and safety of Ambujwadi’s children. The community, home to over 13,300 households, has a large population of children who remain unvaccinated. Without proper immunization, these children face a heightened risk of preventable, life-threatening diseases. Many parents, particularly mothers, are hesitant to vaccinate their children due to socio-economic challenges and a lack of awareness. 

Recognizing this urgent need, the BMC emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare services and education in the area. Our new project aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the immunization of all children up to five years old, ensuring they receive the vaccines necessary to safeguard their health. This initiative aspires to provide these children with a stronger, healthier start in life, while empowering their parents with knowledge and support. 

As we embark on this journey, our goal is clear: to ensure every child in Ambujwadi grows up healthier and happier, free from the fear of preventable diseases. With determination and hope, we strive to create a brighter future for the children of Ambujwadi—because their health is the foundation of the community’s well-being. Let’s begin—health for all.