The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) has extended financial support to 250 Ganpati mandals in Dharavi. These mandals are instrumental in conducting various social welfare activities such as health screenings, cataract surgeries, and educational support programmes, including the distribution of books and stationery to underprivileged students. The financial aid provided by DRPPL aligns with its broader objective of uplifting local communities, especially during the auspicious Ganpati festival, which plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s cultural and religious landscape.
A spokesperson from DRPPL stated, “Our aim is to ensure that the maximum number of Dharavi residents benefit from these initiatives. We believe in strengthening the social fabric of the community through our contributions.” Dharavi, one of the world’s largest slums, has long been the focal point for development and rehabilitation initiatives. The support provided by DRPPL is part of their youth engagement programme, ensuring that not only the large mandals but also the smaller ones have access to much-needed financial backing for their social efforts. This outreach is aimed at creating goodwill among locals as DRPPL continues its work on Dharavi’s extensive redevelopment.
An official from the Sai Kripa Mitra Mandal, a prominent Ganpati pandal that has been serving the community for over two decades, expressed gratitude for DRPPL’s involvement. “The financial support will significantly enhance our ability to serve the people of Dharavi. Moreover, we want to educate the locals about the truth behind the redevelopment project so they do not fall for misleading rumours. The community should actively participate and drive away any external elements opposing the redevelopment,” the official noted. This initiative by DRPPL showcases the company’s commitment not only to infrastructural redevelopment but also to fostering trust and support within the local community.
By contributing to these socially active mandals, DRPPL aims to ensure that the benefits reach every corner of Dharavi, reinforcing their long-term goal of comprehensive urban renewal. With redevelopment efforts continuing, such support is seen as a bridge between the corporate sector and the local community, demonstrating how business initiatives can align with social welfare. The move is especially timely as Ganpati mandals serve as pillars of community cohesion during the festive period, creating a sense of unity in one of India’s most densely populated areas. Comparatively, corporate engagement with local festivals like this has proven beneficial in urban areas, ensuring that both development and tradition are nurtured.
