Ravi’s story is deeply rooted in the dynamic landscape of Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s most densely populated and economically vibrant informal settlements. Originally from Ratnagiri, a coastal town in Maharashtra, Ravi moved to Dharavi in 1995 due to financial constraints. His father, who had found work in Mumbai as a painter, had already begun establishing a foothold in the city. Ravi followed in his footsteps, driven by necessity and the pursuit of economic stability.

Upon arriving in Dharavi, Ravi began working in the screen-printing industry, initially making frames and designs for textile printing. Over the years, this skill became both his livelihood and passion. With more than 30 years of experience in this field, Ravi has since established his own business, which he has been running for the past decade. His work is not only technical but deeply creative. He designs and constructs the frames used in screen printing, adapting them to the specific preferences of his customers. Much of this work is done manually, requiring a meticulous and practiced hand. Ravi demonstrated this process, laying a frame on a light table that projects the design onto a mesh surface, a technique central to the production of printed textiles like T-shirts and pants. 

Much of the material Ravi works with comes from different corners of Mumbai, particularly Kalina Nagar. Essential items such as the CS5 chemical, gum, mesh, and locally-sourced wood make up the bulk of his supplies. His studio in Dharavi remains the core of his operations, even though he now resides in Diva, a small town adjacent to Mumbai, following a family dispute that led him to leave the small room his father had left for him and his brother.

Despite a daily two-hour commute involving both bus and local train, Ravi remains deeply connected to Dharavi. As he puts it, “To be very honest, no one can leave Dharavi. It is impossible for people to leave this space.” For him, Dharavi is more than just a place of work; it is a support system. It offers the environment, resources, and networks essential for the smooth functioning and growth of his business. His studio, for which he pays a monthly rent of ₹9,000 excluding electricity charges, is strategically located amidst the bustling informal economy of Dharavi. This ecosystem, shaped over decades, has allowed micro-entrepreneurs like Ravi to flourish.

However, Ravi also expressed concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of Dharavi. While he acknowledges the potential for improved infrastructure, he fears that such changes may disrupt the existing economic structure. According to him, “redevelopment may be a good initiative, but it is uncertain whether local businesses like mine will survive in the aftermath.” He predicts that large-scale unemployment could follow if the organic networks of informal labour and production are dismantled.

Ravi also reflected on Dharavi’s resilience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high population density, Dharavi reported remarkably low case numbers and demonstrated a collective strength that surpassed many expectations. This, he believes, is a testament to the strong social fabric and communal solidarity that defines the area. People from various castes and religious communities cohabit and work together harmoniously, something Ravi values deeply and sees as central to Dharavi’s identity.

Outside his professional life, Ravi is a family man. He has two children, both of whom have completed high school and are now preparing for higher education. His aspirations for their future mirror his own journey, rooted in hard work, resilience, and hope for better opportunities.

Ravi’s life stands as a compelling narrative of survival and creativity within urban settlements. His story sheds light on the critical importance of acknowledging and preserving the socio-economic ecosystems in places like Dharavi, especially in the face of top-down redevelopment agendas.