2024-11-08 04:00:00
The ovens heat continuously, spreading acrid smoke to the top floor of Yusuf Galwani’s workshop, a three-story house accessible by steep iron stairs. They bake diyas, small terracotta candle holders, and oil lamps. Cast one floor lower, they will soon be used by Hindus for Divali, the festival of lights, celebrated each year between the end of October and the beginning of November. The season of religious festivities has begun in India and, for Yusuf Galwani, it marks the peak of his activity. The artisan exports his products all over the world and employs seven potters who also shape large ornamental pots for the major hotels in Bombay.
The renowned potter is not based in an upscale neighborhood, but in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, with nearly a million residents and extreme density in the heart of Bombay: more than 350,000 inhabitants per kilometer square. This city within a city offers an extraordinary range of religions, castes, languages, provinces and ethnicities. A concentrate of India, both precarious and joyful, with a thriving informal economy, far from the sordid image conveyed by the film Slumdog Millionairewhich made him famous.
The 240 hectares of Dharavi form a labyrinth of alleys, where small adjoining brick houses fit together: temples, mosques, churches and some 20,000 businesses and specialized workshops. Leather goods, suitcases, backpacks, textiles, clothing, pottery and papadums (thin, crunchy bread cakes which dry in the sun on huge overturned baskets) come out of here. The slum also recycles, in noisy workshops from another century, old machines, car parts, oil cans, drums of chemicals, bottles: everything that the city has rejected. The global annual turnover of companies is estimated at 1 billion dollars (approximately 0.92 billion euros).
The smoky potters’ district (Kumbharwada), where Yusuf Galwani lives, has nearly 2,500 families. With his three brothers, he inherited his parents’ house. He was born here, has never known any other environment, but his future is uncertain. The government of Maharashtra, managed by a coalition close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, entrusted, following a call for tenders, in November 2022, a project to renovate the slum to the Indian tycoon Gautam Adani.
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**Interview with Yusuf Galwani, Pottery Artisan from Dharavi**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Yusuf. Your workshop has recently made headlines for selling one million handcrafted diyas for Diwali. Can you share a bit about what this achievement means for you and your team?
**Yusuf Galwani:** Thank you for having me! This achievement is monumental for us. It not only signifies the hard work of our artisans but also highlights the culture and craftsmanship that Dharavi has to offer. Each diya we craft carries the spirit of Diwali, and knowing that one million of them will illuminate homes around the world is truly rewarding.
**Interviewer:** The DRPPL initiative played a significant role in this success. Can you tell us more about how it has empowered local artisans like yourself?
**Yusuf Galwani:** Absolutely. The DRPPL initiative has provided us with essential resources, training, and a global platform to showcase our products. It has fostered not just economic growth but also a sense of community among artisans. Together, we can improve our skills and expand our reach. This is vital for preserving traditional crafts in our rapidly changing world.
**Interviewer:** You operate in Dharavi, which is often depicted in a negative light. How do you feel about this portrayal, and how does your work contribute to changing that narrative?
**Yusuf Galwani:** Dharavi is often seen only through the lens of poverty, but it is a vibrant hub of creativity and entrepreneurship. By showcasing our craftsmanship and sharing our stories, we aim to challenge the stereotypes. We have skilled artisans, thriving businesses, and a rich tapestry of culture here. My work, along with that of my team, helps highlight the positive aspects of our community.
**Interviewer:** What challenges do you face as an artisan in this environment, especially with such a high demand during the festival season?
**Yusuf Galwani:** Working in a densely populated area like Dharavi presents challenges such as limited space and resources. We often deal with high demand during festival seasons, and meeting that demand while maintaining quality can be tough. However, it also pushes us to innovate and improve our processes, which is essential for our growth.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to those who purchase your diyas this Diwali?
**Yusuf Galwani:** When you light a diya this Diwali, remember that it represents more than just a festival; it embodies the dedication, labor, and dreams of countless artisans who pour their hearts into each piece. Your support helps keep our traditions alive and sustains our community. Thank you for celebrating with us!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Yusuf. We appreciate your insights and wish you and your team continued success!
