One fine noon post lunch I took my go pro and started into the streets of Ahmedabad. The sun was soaring up high over my head. Camels were resting on the either side of the roads and I could see a couple of tea shops here and there .My throat had dried up and my goal for the day was still not accomplished. It was to visit a home in a slum from one of those streets. Grabbing my slippers from the backpack I kept moving forward until I reached the streets of the famous Hollywood Colony, one of Ahmedabad’s famous slum. Still unsure how that place got such a name , but it is believed that it came from the inspirational works of a photographer named 'Kannagi Khanna' who framed a woman from this village as a movie actress.
I sauntered through the narrow walk ways of the Hollywood colony where houses and small businesses occupy two sides of the cluttered path. One thing that amazed me (Which we do not get to see in most of the places) is that 99% of the people were happy. If you were a bit jovial and over the top people there tend accept you. All the houses around are mostly 10m x 10m sized which is a home for an average of 4-5 people.
On my way I met Mr Mohan an enthusiastic young man at a tea shop. A friendship was established there at ease. He was quiet pleasant and invited me to see his baby rabbits at his home. Upon reaching his home he showed me his 7 beautiful hares. They were so tiny and beautiful. Mohan showed me around his house, there were 5 members who lived there. It was again 10x10 with a single bed and living space. Up on his wall there hanged Mohan’s stone studded shiny white wedding attire. He never failed to impress me with his hospitality. It was then I realized that one don’t need much to be happy and make others happy.
to be continued..
Inspired from the Youtube Video 'I invaded an Indian slum , What does a house in an Indian slum cost ' by Harald Balder
-Joseph
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