8. India: The Rich-Poor Divide (part 4)

Residential Zone

Most slum houses in Dharavi lack individual toilets and taps. Residents must pay to use community toilets, which are seldom maintained, and they buy overpriced water from vendors. In fact, 78% of community toilets in Mumbai’s slums have no water supply, and 58% lack electricity. Many homes also don't have proper doors, further highlighting the poor living conditions.

As I walked through the alleyways, I found myself navigating a maze of narrow passageways between concrete houses. The place truly felt like a labyrinth, and it would be easy to get lost here. The lanes were barely wide enough for two people to pass each other. Overhead, the buildings' overhangs and tangled power lines blocked out much of the light, making the alleyways dark and claustrophobic.

Every few meters, a doorway led into a small, 4-square-meter room that served as the kitchen, living room, and bedroom for an entire family. Inside, people would often be lying on the floor, watching TV. I found it interesting that some people here could still afford satellite TV, despite the difficult conditions. These same homes also had access to electricity and water, which meant that the living conditions for some residents were relatively better than for others.

As I continued through the narrow lanes, barefoot children greeted me with a cheerful "hello" or "namaste." It was hot and stuffy, with very little airflow, and I had to constantly duck to avoid hitting my head on buildings, metal bars, or the dangling electrical wires above.

The children, though barefoot or wearing jandals, seemed friendly and happy, running around with energy. In contrast, the working adults appeared much more focused on their tasks, often looking grim and not pausing to engage. They would politely make room for me to step aside as they hurried to continue their work.

The Rich Are Getting Richer

The wealthiest individuals in India have cornered a significant portion of the country’s wealth, largely through monopolies on business and inheritance. The top 10% of India’s population controls 77% of the total national wealth. In 2017, 73% of the wealth generated went to the richest 1%, while the poorest half of the population—comprising 670 million Indians—saw only a modest 1% increase in their wealth.

Mukesh Ambani, who heads the list of the wealthiest individuals in India, is followed by other prominent figures like Gautam Adani, Savitri Jindal, and Shiv Nadar. Their influence and power may be a current example of how India shaped the world.

Ambani’s residence, Antilia, located in Mumbai, is valued at a staggering $4.6 billion USD in 2023. The 27-story building boasts six private residential floors at the top. Its design incorporates motifs of the lotus plant and the sun, symbolizing prosperity. Antilia is equipped with luxurious amenities, including a 168-car garage, a ballroom, a health center, and a 50-seat theater.

Mumbai: The Financial Capital of India

Mumbai is home to more billionaires than any city except New York and London. It contributes about 30% of all income tax collected in India and handles 40% of the country's foreign trade. Almost all of India’s industrial, banking, trading, insurance, and other financial institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, are based here.

Indians often refer to Mumbai as the "City of Dreams." It’s the economic powerhouse of the country, housing major financial institutions and Indian conglomerates. Additionally, Mumbai is the heart of Bollywood, home to India’s largest film industry and a magnet for aspiring artists. Mumbai is a shining light to illustrate how India shaped the world.

Your next read in the series: 9. India: Golden Triangle – The Jewel in the Crown (part 1)