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IN SEARCH OF DIGNITY AND JUSTICE (2001)

Mumbai has about 30,000 people on its payroll who sweep the streets, pick up garbage and clean the sewers. Without exception they belong to the Dalits (literally, the ‘downtrodden’), the lowest rung on the caste ladder. According to Indian standards they are reasonably paid, but through their position they struggle with poverty, abuse, despair and alcoholism. Sudharak Olwe photographed the lives of the cleaners of Mumbai, who have no prospect of a better life. With his photographs he hopes to move the authorities to improve their working conditions. He also appeals to the inhabitants of Mumbai to show appreciation for the heavy work that the Dalits perform daily to keep their city clean and livable.

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