Between Dreams and Reality: 10 Youth-led Solutions to Mumbai’s Biggest Challenges

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is a unique and captivating blend of colonial-era architecture, bustling bazaars, majestic temples, and nightlife that rivals the best in India. The city enchants everyone who arrives here, echoing a sentiment shared by newcomers and long-time residents alike. Notably, Mumbai ranks among the world’s top 10 centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, reflecting its significance on the global stage. 

For those fortunate enough to enjoy privilege, it’s the challenges of congestion and pollution that often take centre stage. The city’s relentless construction projects, sprawling across major parts, contribute to these issues. Astonishingly, Mumbai’s smog levels have surpassed even those of Delhi, marking an unprecedented challenge. 

Income disparities are another stark aspect of Mumbai’s landscape. Despite initiatives like the MHADA redevelopment projects, urban slums continue to persist, albeit with some relief they provide to prospective home buyers. The city’s warm and humid climate, combined with high stress levels and congestion, provides fertile ground for various diseases, including Malaria, Cholera, Tuberculosis, and Heart disease. 

At TribesforGOOD, we are committed to making a difference and so can you! In the face of these multifaceted challenges. Mumbaikars, especially the dynamic youth have an opportunity to be catalysts for change. Our efforts with a little foresight and planning can lead to impactful results. 

Here are steps for how you can get involved and tackle challenges in Mumbai:

1. Leverage Analytics to Combat Malnutrition:

Our dedicated ChangeMakers are gearing up for the Tata Mumbai Marathon. With a determined goal to raise 2 lakh rupees, we’ve set our sights on combatting malnutrition in partnership with Action Against Hunger. But the marathon isn’t just about the run—it’s an opportunity for proactive individuals to dive deep into data analytics and mathematical models. By participating and raising funds students can identify potential donors, streamline fundraising efforts, and quantitatively demonstrate the impact of their work. Want to be part of this impactful journey? Help our team reach their target by donating to our campaign here – Donation link.

2. Breathe Easier with Cleaner Air:

Our Clean Air, Clean Spirits campaign isn’t just a campaign; it’s a call to action. Beyond championing stringent environmental regulations, we invite you to be a torchbearer. Embrace the timeless principle of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. With our partner organization, Share At Door Step, it becomes effortless. They facilitate doorstep pickups of items you wish to recycle or donate, channeling them directly to nonprofits in need. Additionally, consider championing the use of electric vehicles or raising awareness in your community about the dangers of air pollution. Every effort counts, and together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable Mumbai.

Read about our ChangeMakers Shanvi and Yaashika, on the frontiers of the climate flight, here – Youthful Perspectives on Sustainability: Gen Z Authors at the Forefront

3. Decluttering Mumbai’s Streets:

Traffic congestion is more than just an inconvenience—it impacts quality of life. By advocating for carpooling, supporting public transportation, or championing the use of widely accessible e-scooters like Vogo, you can play a part in redefining Mumbai’s transportation landscape. Educate your peers and the larger community by using captivating visuals, coupled with compelling storytelling. 

4. Make India Voke (with Vocational Training)

In collaboration with Raah Foundation, we’re turning the tide against unemployment. Help us empower the youth with vocational skills and promote financial literacy among women. Offer mentorship, host a workshop, or simply share insights. Your expertise can redefine futures. You can also host a Careers 2050 workshop like Debanjali did!

5. The Power of Sports in Education:

Amidst challenges as unnerving as widespread slums and poverty, it’s normal to feel lost, so take inspiration from Ashok, the founder of Oscar Foundation. His foundation’s trailblazing approach leverages football to keep students engaged in education. Drawing inspiration from their success, we invite sports enthusiasts to brainstorm innovative ways to integrate sports and learning. If you’ve got a game-changing idea, we want to hear it!

6. Health First: Curtailing Disease Spread:

Collaborate with us in our mission against diseases like tuberculosis and cervical cancer. Organize health screenings in vulnerable communities, promote the significance of vaccinations, or simply raise awareness about good hygiene practices. Together, we can foster a healthier Mumbai with a little inspiration from our ChangeMaker Sara. 

7. Safeguarding Pedestrians: A Citywide Priority:

Prioritizing pedestrian safety is imperative for India, mirroring the standards upheld by neighbouring countries and the West. To elevate India to this benchmark of safety, policy advocacy stands at the forefront. The energy and determination of the youth can be the driving force behind making our streets safer for all. One immediate action is harnessing the influence of social media, and initiating campaigns that champion alternate transportation modes, such as walking, biking, and carpooling.

8. Storytelling: Amplifying Social Messages:

We believe in the transformative power of stories. If you resonate with the art of theatre and storytelling, come forward. Take a page from the books of TFG students Arayna and Naisha. Arayna through her evocative play, championed women’s safety, urging viewers to rethink societal norms, check it out here. Meanwhile, Naisha, supported by TFG, intertwines narratives on child marriage, gender violence, and social norms, employing both online and offline mediums. Their performances not only raise awareness but also critique and challenge unfair policies. Whether you resonate with the theatre or storytelling, there’s an opportunity to be part of this transformative movement.

9. Rejuvenating the Oceans: Reclaiming Mumbai’s Beauty: 

The recent return of turtles to Mumbai’s shores symbolizes the city’s resilience and rejuvenation. In a bid to further fortify this momentum, an expansive coastal clean-up drive has been set in motion by national organizations. Spanning 75 beaches over 75 days, this initiative aims to extract a staggering 1,500 tonnes of waste from our seacoasts. By participating in these community clean-up drives, not only do we pave the way for a cleaner Mumbai but also reinforce its spirit of rejuvenation. If you’re ignited by such initiatives, TribesforGood welcomes you to bring forth your passion projects, aiding you in structuring your efforts and crystallizing your goals.

10. Close the Gender Gap in STEM:

Mumbai has a gender equality acceptability score of 56.7, placing the city at the bottom among India’s four metros. This disparity, especially noticeable in STEM, isn’t just about the numbers; it signifies missed opportunities and untapped potential.  Join us in advocating for equal pay, mentorship, and opportunity by hosting screenings of relevant movies or documentaries that shed light on gender disparities in STEM. These screenings will serve as platforms for discussions, awareness building, and inspiration.

Mumbai’s challenges may be daunting, but with the spirit of Mumbai and the active engagement of its youth, positive change is within reach. By addressing these issues collectively, Mumbaikars can ensure that their beloved city continues to thrive as a global metropolis, maintaining its status as the “Maximum City” in more ways than one. Participate in TribesforGood’s upcoming winter program to make a difference in your city!