Dharavi Students Envision Redevelopment Through Art
On Republic Day, over 200 students from ten schools in Dharavi gathered at the Kamarajar Memorial English High School & Junior College to participate in an inter-school art competition, Mere Sapno Ki Dharavi. Organised by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) under its Dharavi Social Mission (DSM), the event encouraged young minds to envision the future of one of Mumbai’s most iconic localities.
The competition, themed ‘How Do You Visualise a Redeveloped Dharavi or Dharavi in 2050,’ provided students with an opportunity to creatively express their aspirations for a transformed Dharavi. From green spaces and modern housing to advanced public infrastructure, the artworks reflected the students’ dreams of a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhood. To ensure fair participation and inspire creativity, participants were provided with drawing kits and canvases. The competition was judged by an esteemed panel comprising renowned painter Dhimant Vyas, art teacher Zankhana Mehta, local artist Prasad Balan, Enid John, and Anuj Malhotra, the head planner of the Dharavi redevelopment project.
This initiative forms part of NMDPL’s commitment to community engagement through its Dharavi Social Mission. By involving local youth in the redevelopment conversation, the competition fostered a sense of ownership and hope among students about the ongoing transformation of their locality. The event underscored the importance of integrating the voices of Dharavi’s younger generation in its ambitious redevelopment plan. Their vision and creativity serve as a powerful reminder that urban renewal is not just about infrastructure but also about building a better future for the community.
