The Other Side of India

This is a picture of one of the slums in Bangalore. Migrant construction workers live here, without electricity or running water. Usually both parents work, so their children run the house, cook, and take care of all domestic duties. These are also some of the same children who come to MJ for a few minutes when/if they have the time. Without a place like MJ, they don't really have the option to be kids--most of the time they function like small grown ups.

In the background to the right you can see some of the buildings that they have built. They usually pitch tent cities right next to the construction site that they are currently working on. Most construction workers are actually female, as they are considered both cheaper, and more reliable.

I was lucky in my visit to India because I was in a fairly protected bubble, living with the upper class. But I was also lucky to get to see both sides of the story, and spend time with children who have so little, and yet seem so content.

Regardless, it was an eye opening experience. I am so glad I went.