In Mumbai, Streets 'Named' After Slum Children

Mumbai: One usually finds streets and flyways across the world being named after politicians and freedom fighters, however, breaking that norm are the narrow alleys in the Cuffe Parade slums of Mumbai.

An NGO has taken the initiative to honour underprivileged youngsters who have struggled to live their dreams, by unofficially christening nameless alleys after them. So now, the Cuffe Parade slum boasts of Rehmuddin Shaikh Road, Devi Chauhan Road and Anita Rathod Road, proudly carrying names of their very own homegrown stars.
 "This was done to encourage other children to educate themselves. Some children came up to me and asked 'When will I have a street named after me?', and I said that if you work hard all your names will be up in these alleys," said Bina Sheth Lashkari, co-founder of The Doorstep School.

Both Rehmuddin Shaikh, 27, and, 21, who have alleys named after them in the Cuffe Parade Road slum, have overcome social and economic hurdles to achieve what would almost be impossible in cases like theirs.
 "I had to drop out of school as we did not have much money. But later on the teachers literally chased me to sit down and study. I eventually went on to study in a Colaba School and directly got promoted to class five. I topped all the exams till class ten and now I also play state level Rugby and coach some kids. I am going to finish my Bachelors soon and will appear for my IPS written exams too," said Mr Rehmuddin, as children from his locality swarmed around him excitedly.

Braving similar storms, Ms Devi refused to recount those times when she was being forced to get married at the age of 15. Successfully putting her foot down, she now wishes to complete her education after having dropped out of school in class four. "I wish to become a very famous artist someday," says Ms Devi who currently teaches art to children at The Doorstep School.

Bina Lashkari reminds one of the many Rehmuddins and Devis who are living in such forgotten corners of large cities, only waiting for a little help to realize their dreams.

"After the road was named after me, people say, "Come, let's go and sit on Rehmuddin Shaikh Road," signs off the confident 27 year, who, like a few others, has finally found his very own wall of fame.