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WE ARE SLUMMERS

The official population of New Delhi varies depending on where you look, probably because of all of the unregistered people, migrants from the flat countryside and farming regions drawn to the appeal of the growing metropolis. Whatever growth and prosperity the city promises thought, it does not always guarantee a decent standard of living for everyone. The rural poor set their dreams on this huge urban environment hoping for a chance to improve their lot, but despite realistically low standards they often remain unfulfilled. Even if the monthly wages are higher than that of a farmer, they are not enough to meet the big city expenses, keeping them well below the poverty threshold.



Nearly 4.000.000 people live in what we call slums, or according to different colloquialisms jughies or shanty towns. Squatted areas scattered with cobbled tents and precarious shacks fashioned out of any kind of recycled materials worthy to be used as shelter. Let’s call it a sort of hell on earth, rising out of the dirt near railway stations, motorways, even inside government properties, and dotting the Yamuna river banks, that is at least until the beginning of the monsoon season.



The lowliest of this downtrodden population are generally Muslims, often practicing Islam due to its more egalitarian approach to human society than the dominant caste-based hindu faith. They generally reside in the Nizzamuddin and Jasola districts of the city, the former sadly renowned for the recent evacuation by the authorities which forced thousands to search for new dwellings. Similar settlements are found almost everywhere and individuals belonging to the lowest castes, working as rickshaw drivers and manure cleaners, can pay up to 1000 rupies for a place in these campsites where electricity is illegally stolen and several families share one drainage, leaving to the imagination the hygienic and sanitary conditions.



Despite all of this, India with its huge cities is still the largest world democracy where slums’ inhabitants are enthusiastically exercising their right to vote bringing considerable plaudits for corrupted politicians. On the other hand, local gangsters, often elevated to the role of religious and community leader rather than being convicted for bloody murders, back questionable party chairmen in order to influence the slummers’ choice.



WE ARE SLUMMERS is the portrait of an India where things are slower if you consider the neighbouring totalitarian Chinese competitor. But nevertheless, an India home to increasing hopes along with 3% of population which is annually rising out of poverty.