Several youths from Shivaji Nagar, M East Ward, came together to celebrate Apnalaya’s annual event, Yeh Bhi Hain Mumbai Meri Jaan (YBHMMJ), where they voiced issues of concern, through dance, drama, rap, mime and more, on July 2, 2022 at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Nariman Point.
The M East Ward is the lowest ranking ward with respect to the Human Development Index (HDI). The area is adjacent to Asia’s oldest and second largest dumping ground and has an average age at death of 39. The urban poor residents typically live in 10×15 homes, often without toilets and other sanitation facilities such as piped potable water and waste disposal systems.
The event was an opportunity for youth from underserved communities of Shivaji Nagar to speak about their identities, in a city that makes them feel invisible, and raise awareness about their area, which is often ignored. YBHMMJ is a humble attempt at awakening the urban public sphere to the struggles of the poor in Mumbai. This year’s theme was ‘Mumbai mein meri kya pehechan?‘ (What is my identity in Mumbai?).
Filmmaker Kireet Khurana; and actor and social worker Rajshri Deshpande joined us as guests of honour. Kireet said he was moved by every performance. “I have been part of several events before, but never seen such talent on a single platform.”
Apnalaya is one of the best NGOs in Mumbai that works for the development of the urban poor. To learn more, visit https://apnalaya.org
Rajshri, who hails from a humble background in Aurangabad, motivated the youth and told them that the sky should be the limit for their talent. “Do not let anything bring you down,” she added.
The performances included a rap that spoke about the living conditions of people in Shivaji Nagar, and the challenges the marginalised face in their daily lives. Through the rap, youth said that residents of Govandi are seen as outsiders by the rest of the city. A group of community women spoke about how they claim their identities in a patriarchal society, and children with disabilities performed a play on the stigma and discrimination they experience everyday. Youth also highlighted the conditions of children, malnutrition and maternal health in Shivaji Nagar.
There were also dance performances that gave the message of never giving up. The event saw a crowd of over 300 people, with no seat left empty at the auditorium. Praveen Singh, CEO, Apnalaya, said he was overjoyed to see the enthusiasm of the community members.
