Transformation Journey of a Slum: From School Lunches to Aspiring IAS Candidates (VIDEO)

In the heart of Mumbai, one organisation stands as a beacon of hope for thousands living in the city's poorest and most disadvantaged areas. DBM India, co-founded by Paramjeet Singh, was established with a mission to address the deep-rooted issues that hinder progress and development, as stated by their tagline: education, employment, and empowerment.

The journey began in 2008 when Singh and his associates stumbled upon a news article that revealed a startling statistic: approximately 6,000 people were dying daily due to hunger and malnourishment in India, even after 60 years of independence. Moved by this grim reality, they decided to take action.

The initial efforts of DBM India involved feeding 50 children in the slums of M-East ward and surrounding neighbourhoods, including Govandi, Chembur, Mankhurd, Trombay, and Deonar. Today, the organisation has grown significantly, adopting 11 schools and feeding 2,000 kids daily through its midday meal programme.

But DBM India's work goes beyond providing food. The organisation operates Udaan (educational) centres at Bandra and Deonar, offering holistic grooming to its students. This includes communication skills, English proficiency, career guidance, and exposure visits. The selected students receive a comprehensive education, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.

The work of DBM India has earned recognition on both global and national platforms. Dr Jaydeep Mirashi, Founder and Chairman of Hill Spring International School, has recognised Paramjeet Singh as a beacon of hope and a changemaker for his work at DBM India.

DBM India also emphasises empowering women and youth in areas like Dharavi. For the first time, the neighbourhood has seen its youth become an IAS officer, a chartered accountant, an engineer, and candidates successful in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission exams.

The average lifespan of people from the slums in M-East ward is 39, significantly lower than the national average of 74, due to the presence of a dumping yard that releases toxins. However, DBM India's efforts are aimed at creating sustainable change that will benefit future generations.

Navasrushti International Trust, an NGO focused on education, employment, and empowerment, operates schools, provides midday meals, vocational training, healthcare, and job placements under the legal framework of DBM India. The NGO selects 40 students each year from their 11 adopted schools based on a test.

DBM India has expanded its operations to include vocational courses in six centres, including nursing, beautician, computers, warehouse management, and customer service. To date, the organisation has provided over 10 million meals and thousands of people have received vocational training.

The work of DBM India continues to make a significant impact in some of the poorest and worst affected areas of Mumbai in terms of Human Development Index. As the organisation grows and evolves, it remains committed to its mission of education, employment, and empowerment, transforming lives and creating a brighter future for all.

Transformation Journey of a Slum: From School Lunches to Aspiring IAS Candidates (VIDEO)