'Dharavi: Fantastic Land' is a photography exhibition that unfolds the joyous, affectionate relationship 12 children between the ages of 10-15 years enjoy with their ‘home land’. Taken by these children, these photographs represent Dharavi as – a place of identity, aspiration, comfort and belonging. “My mother often says that we should move out of Dharavi,” says Vijaylaxmi, who is now 14 years old. “But I would never want to. This is where I was born and this is home.”

The children have great faith in Dharavi's capacity to sustain life. “Dharavi mein koi bhukha nahin sota” (nobody sleeps hungry in Dharavi) is a frequently repeated motto. “There is everything here that I need. There is no place like Dharavi in the whole world!” is another. “Is there any place that you know where the lights are never switched off and doors never locked?” asks Vishal, who is all of 15 years.

But there is a flip side to this relationship. The dirt and grime, Dharavi’s notorious reputation, its links with the underworld, and occasional bouts of violence do disturb the children. “I think education is the most important tool for change in Dharavi,” says Vishal. “All of us should start by throwing our garbage into dustbins,” says Vijaylaxmi.

“We are now seeing some tall buildings being built here,” says Irfan, who is a born clown. “But I am afraid of heights. What if I fall??”

The images attempt to capture the spirit of this multihued relationship between the children and their surroundings. Initiated by Point of View, Mumbai, in collaboration with SHED and the children of Dharavi, the project started with the intention of understanding the perceptions of children on their environment – and the need to promote a point of view that is rarely heard.