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🌏 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Dharavi’s Origins — How British-era industrial growth drew migrants who built thriving cottage industries that still power the neighborhood today.

Inside the Local Industries — From plastic recycling and metalworking to garment workshops, bakeries, and the centuries-old pottery district of Kumbharwada.

Workers sort, shred, wash, and process plastic into pellets used to make everyday products.

Metalworkers hammer and weld pots, trays, and household goods.

Potters sculpt diyas, water pots, and planters by hand.

These industries generate about $1 billion annually, according to Mohammad.

Life in the Neighborhood — Families living in compact homes, children attending school at high rates, and a vibrant social fabric full of shared meals, rooftop greetings, and cricket in the alleys.

Why “Slum” Is the Wrong Word — Krishna explains why he prefers “community” or “neighborhood,” emphasizing Dharavi’s sustainability, entrepreneurship, and constant evolution.

Progress and Change — Better sanitation, more community toilets, improved roads, and expanded educational support from NGOs.

How to Visit Respectfully — Krishna’s essential advice: no photos, dress modestly, listen to your guide, stay curious, and treat Dharavi as a living community—not a spectacle.

Pop Culture Connection — Danny Boyle spent extensive time in Dharavi before filming Slumdog Millionaire, which went on to win eight Oscars.

🔗 Links

Read more great travel stories on GoNOMAD:https://www.gonomad.com

Explore more episodes of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast:

(podcasts.apple.com in Bing)

Learn about Inside Mumbai Tours:https://insidemumbaitours.com

Learn about Reality Tours & Travel:https://realitytoursandtravel.com

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Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gonomad-travel-podcast/id1650912321 (podcasts.apple.com in Bing)

Mohammad Sadique, Founder of Inside Mumbai Tours

Mohammed lives in Dharavi and has been a tour guide for many years. With the income from his tours, Mohammad has managed to pay to complete his secondary education. He is continuing his studies at the University of Mumbai in Sociology. He hopes to complete his degree and progress to master’s level study.

Krishna Pujari, Co-founder of Reality Tours & Travel

When he was 13, Krishna moved to Mumbai. He worked in restaurants during the day and went to night school to finish his education. His passion and dedication led him to team up with Chris Way to start Reality Tours & Travel. Krishna loves meeting people and giving back to the community. He makes sure the tours are run responsibly and really benefit the community.

Mentioned in this episode:

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🌏 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

🎧 Why This Episode Matters

🔗 Links