Sharing Knowledge for the Brighter Future!

 

Housing-Urban Policy and Informal Settlements Panellists

PUKAR, in partnerships with University of Chicago Law School, UOC Delhi Centre, and Khalsa College, hosted a seminar on “Activism, Advocacy, and Action for India’s Residents for Informal Settlements” regarding the daily lives, challenges and resilience of residents of Informal Settlements. This was held at Khalsa College premises and attended by an enthusiastic audience of activists, faculty, academicians, students, and advocates of all colours and hues.

Principal Mangaokar Opening the seminar

Starting with complex and multi-layered issues of Housing Rights and issue connected with every aspect of housing, the thematic also included ‘Improving Informal settlements’, ‘Access to Basic Services’ and ‘Women’s Rights and Health in Informal settlements’.

Having travelled from far off places like Chicago, Lucknow, Odisha, Hyderabad, Pune, joining local practitioners, the panellist of every thematic laid out the current situations, shared their own work experiences and provoked many debates on the floor. In a collective fashion and in collaborative spirit, the panellist suggested ways to move forward to make the life of residents for informal settlements a little better through policies, politics, and practices.

Professor Malani, University of Chicago Law School

Housing-Improving Informal Settlements Panelists

These residents who essentially hold the city on their able shoulders and make life easier for other citizens, are almost always treated by the larger society, the policy-makers and the legal entities as “Illegal, Unwanted”. Through the discussions that ensued, the panellists and moderators informed, educated and enlightened the audience of the realities of lives in the informal settlements and inspired the audience to change their lens to view these realities.

Access to Basic Services- Panelist with moderator Professor Amita Bhide

 

Women’s Rights in Informal Settlements- Public Health-Panellists

The spirited discussions that followed every session was the hallmark of the success of the seminar.  PUKAR wishes to thank all the partners and the participants for their contribution to this event.

Professor Anant Maringanti- HUL.  Difficult subject, laced with humour!!!