The Globe Post is happy to announce that Mansi Chouksey is our 2019 writing contest winner!
After careful consideration of dozens of entries from almost all the world’s continents, Mansi’s article about recyclers in Asia’s biggest slum Dharavi, who prevent India’s financial capital, Mumbai, from choking in its own waste, emerged as the best overall product.
Mansi spent weeks obtaining hard-to-get interviews with ragpickers, kabadiwalas (collectors of scrap materials), local residents, shop owners, NGOs, and recyclers in the slum.
“Skepticism towards journalists, narrow lanes, nauseating smell of chemicals, waste and open sewers and an early monsoon made it very difficult to conduct these interviews and understand unorganized and illegal recycling operations,” she said.
“Dharavi is often considered a blot on Mumbai’s cosmopolitan face,” Mansi added. Her article shows the other side of the slum and tells the story of how Dharavi is key to keeping Mumbai alive. “I am very excited that I won this contest. It has given me hope, courage, and confidence to build a future as a news reporter.”
We thank everyone who competed in this contest. The quality of submissions was excellent. Mansi’s story, alongside the four runner-ups, will be published on our website.