Salma Memon, who grew up in Malvani, one of the largest slums in Mumbai, became a teacher despite all odds and works tirelessly in the impoverished locality, helping children, the dispossessed and the aged
Ashok Kumar | Clarion India
MUMBAI – Life can be really tough living in a massive slum colony like Malvani in Malad, north-west Mumbai, where a million people put up in huts and carry on with their daily lives, irrespective of the weather – it could be the sultry summer months (with 100 per cent humidity), or the wet monsoon season, when rainwater floods the area in knee-deep water most of the time.
Salma Memon has seen it all, having lived in Malvani from the time she was born. Her father, who passed away a few years ago, used to deliver milk along with her mother. “They used to either lock me inside the house along with a milk bottle, or place me on a chair under the tree outside the place,” she recalls.
In 2010, when she had just got into college and on the day her brother was getting married, her father died worried about the loans he had taken. “Life was tough and I had no choice,” says Salma. “I had to work part time and earn some money if I had to complete my education.”
She had two part-time jobs by 2014 when she was in the final year of her degree college. But though the requirements at home were rising, Salma decided to keep apart the earnings from one of the jobs to support deprived children in her neighbourhood.
Most of them were dropouts who had to give up their normal education as their parents did not have the money to support them. “I remember teaching these kids and mentoring them. And when they completed their X standard, getting first-class marks, it was a moment of happiness for me,” she recalls.
While she worked on her own at Malvani, Salma also got associated with a leading NGO, the Indian Development Foundation, a Mumbai-based outfit with offices across the country, and under the guidance of Dr Ark Pillai, the 92-year-old founder-president of the organisation.
She also set up UMEED to help slum children. In the beginning the group was involved with less than 30 children; today, about 450 children are engaged with UMEED. “We help them with their fees, provide medical aid, operate a free digital centre, a coaching centre and also help orphaned girls get married,” explains Salma.
Currently operational in Malvani, the NGO is also working in some other slum colonies in Mumbai. Was it tough working in one of the largest slum colonies in India? “Yes, it was difficult as many in the colony did not realise the importance of education,” says Salma. “Most parents wanted their children to start earning early, though some mothers dreamt of their kids continuing with their education.”
She offered various options to the slum children, encouraging them to take up part-time work and also continue with their studies. Many parents were also encouraged to acquire the basics in operating computers, learning English and other tools that would help boost their incomes.
Of course there are a lot of social pressures that the parents and the children have to stand up against even in cities like Mumbai, Salma cites her own example where many in the family wanted her to marry at an early age and not take up jobs.
Some people in Malvani also objected when she started teaching young boys and girls. “They felt girls were good at home,” says Salma. “But gradually they realised the benefits of children getting a better education. And my mother stood by me and backed all the causes I took up.”
The social activist is alert round-the-clock and keeps getting calls at unearthly hours. “We have to rush to help children facing problems at their home even after midnight or early morning,” points out Salma. “Similarly, there are older people who are bed-ridden and their spouses are unable to go out and buy medicines or even grocery. We have to help them even at odd hours.”
Salma’s remarkable work in Malvani and other nearby slum colonies in Mumbai has won her a lot of awards and appreciatory notes. “I never thought I would get scores of such awards, but what satisfies me the most is the love I get from children and the blessings from the elders.”
When she interacts with others at motivational talk sessions, Salma always reminds people that if they cannot contribute monetarily for a cause, they can also volunteer by offering their services to NGOs. “I am a teacher by profession, but I provide free coaching to needy children, helping them stand on their legs and never let them feel they are alone in the world,” she adds.
