Whether we like it or not, Mumbai is getting dirtier by the year. Our city’s infrastructure cannot keep up with the rapidly growing population. Recently, the unpredictable monsoon patterns have also turned parts of our city totally unlivable. And finding a place of peace and quiet is getting more difficult in the busy metropolis. Mumbai’s open spaces are few and far between, its community areas diminishing in both number and size.

Long before this problem reached such proportions, one person foresaw this. That person was Begum Zehra Ali Yavar Jung. She was the wife of Nawab Ali Yavar Jung, the erstwhile Governor of Mumbai.

She conceptualised the not-for-profit National Society for Clean Cities -India because she believed that clean cities are the basic right of its citizens. The organization was set up in 1972. Several Mumbai philanthropists and luminaries helped along the way.

The idea behind this organisation was simple. The responsibility lies with local authorities to provide and maintain a clean environment. It’s equally important for citizens to play their part in helping keep the city clean.

How would children, and pre-primary kids at that, actually help creating a clean city, you may well ask.

Quite simply, young children who are like sponges, adopt and accept concepts more readily than their parents or elders. Thus, by making children agents of change, eventually, the dream of making all cities clean will be realised. It will take time. For changes to become habits and finally deep-rooted values, one needs to have patience.

The Children’s Complex was built on a plot of land at Kherwadi. It was designed by the renowned architect Iftikhar Kadri. With its clean and green surroundings, an immaculately maintained garden, and a well-kept kitchen plot, it is truly a blessing.

And I was lucky enough to be invited to its Open House in mid-November this year.

The Open House

Not knowing how long it would take us to get there, my friend J and I left early. Too early, we realised when we got out and literally bumped into the current President Mrs. Hasmina Khan, and her team of trustees and officials. They had just emerged from the dispensary on the premises which provides basic healthcare for children and adults.

After brief introductions, she led us into the premises, where we were greeted by the happy smiles of the preschoolers. The little ones sat cross-legged on mats. They were totally engaged in classroom activities. As we entered, they shyly looked up from their work. We tried our best not to disturb them.

We went past the sewing room. where the neighbourhood women come in for sewing lessons in the afternoon. This gives them some extra income as well as a new skill. Then, we went up to the first floor to see the library cum Computer room.

We peeped into the senior classes and then went downstairs. There, we were officially welcomed by the school choir’s rousing rendition of ‘Sare Jahan se Accha’ and ‘Hum Honge Kamiyab’. It would require a heart of steel not to get moved by their sweet voices and unbridled enthusiasm.

We also got to see handicrafts and paintings of extraordinary talent. These artworks are made by older children and are often sent to various competitions. They have had great success in overseas art competitions, too!

A community Centre beyond ABC

Entry into the Balwadi or pre-primary program is highly coveted. It almost always ensures admission to the local neighbourhood schools. With a free mid-day meal provided, mothers have peace of mind. They can go about their work, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

Even today, the children eagerly await the familiar van from the Sun-n-Sand hotel. This van has been bringing them meals since the organisation’s very first days. On some days, the children are given a treat of fresh vegetables from the in-house garden!

Apart from providing basic education to pre-primary students, the complex also offers computer classes. These classes are open to anyone in the neighbourhood keen on learning computer skills.

In the afternoons, this space is used for remedial learning. Specialists in learning disabilities help children who are struggling with schoolwork in regular schools. This is a great boon for those children who otherwise would have dropped out of the school system.

Children living in the nearby slums are given an opportunity to learn. They can enjoy a clean and safe space. This provides them with a chance at a happy childhood for at least a few hours in the day.

Sewing classes, Beauty & Make-up classes offer opportunities for women to excel. Cookery contests judged by five star chefs also give them a chance to shine. A place where they can express themselves and discover their creative side.

The residents of Kherwadi and its environs are indeed lucky. They have a safe and clean space to call their very own.

A place, where one of its alumni who is now working in Bombay Umiversity said, “A place where dreams come true “

Around 400 children, young adults, and women use the facilities. That’s a lot of people who get to see and use the space! So, it is only logical to expect that subtly, the message of cleanliness gets across

This may seem like a drop in the ocean. But like a ripple, we hope that it spreads far and wide. And one day, the dream of a clean city will be a reality.

Ciao,