Originally from Ratnagiri, Ravi built his career over three decades in Dharavi’s vibrant informal economy. Despite relocating to Diva, he remains deeply rooted in the locality, valuing its close-knit support system. The piece highlights his concerns over redevelopment, the resilience of Dharavi during the pandemic, and the socio-economic networks that sustain livelihoods like his. Ravi’s journey reflects the intersection of creativity, survival, and community in urban informal settlements. 

Samsuddin, a printmaker in Dharavi, Mumbai, whose small but efficient studio reflects the spirit of local enterprise. From printing school uniforms for suburban Mumbai to receiving an order from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, Samsuddin's journey weaves personal strength with community-rooted entrepreneurship. He exemplifies how creativity and determination shape life in Dharavi. Amidst talks of redevelopment, Samsuddin advocates for progress without displacement, preserving the soul of the community he calls home.

Satish Dalvi, a second-generation Dharavi resident whose journey from sanitation work to caregiving exposes the layered realities of caste, labor, and survival in Mumbai. As an outspoken activist and rationalist, his quiet rebellion against exploitation and superstition carves space for dignity and resistance in the city.

Shankar Jadhav, a 61-year-old cobbler, defies caste boundaries beneath Samvidhan Square. With calloused hands, a love for books, and quiet resilience, he mends shoes, nurtures a square, and challenges the invisibility imposed by society: one stitch, one flower, one act of dignity at a time.