The 2011 census defined slums as "residential areas where dwellings are unfit for human habitation". It estimated there were 1.37 crore households (17.4% of urban Indian households) living in slums. In absolute terms, the population in slums is projected to increase from 93.1 million in 2001 to 104.7 million in 2017.

The stories about the number and the squalor are familiar. But what about the dreams and aspirations of the people who live here? And the changes in the lifestyle and outlook in the little shanties across urban India. In this 12-part series, that is anchored by Anuradha Raman, we track the changing face of the Indian slum, chronicling stories of new social and economic trends in our impoverished neighbourhoods. Over the days, you will be introduced to entrepreneurs, singers, composers, boxers, sailers and more. We start with a narrative from Bengaluru, where a bunch of women have organised themselves to launch a waste management start-up and, in doing, take charge of their lives....Read more

Source web page:The Hindu