This is a story of a ghetto, always in the news for various reasons. This ghetto started emerging out of its image long time back. I wouldn’t take the entire credit for that, but yes I had my own part to play in this story.
Recently I was contemplating to write a book on the impact #HeartyMart created upon various stake holders. Juhapura being a prominent part of the story, its mention was natural to discuss!
You might wonder what’s the point of thinking of these impact stories now, there is a context. Today, let’s be honest and admit that there is a targeted attack on Muslims across various states. There is an attempt to marginalise them.
There are videos corroborating this fact and there is a very little resistance from the civil society. During CAA/NRC the participation was from across communities. That was confidence building and soothing to see. Sadly it isn’t the case anymore.
This is a time to reflect upon and work for the betterment of the community. Muslims have lived happily in ghettos in Ahmedabad and large part of Gujarat. Initially the ghettos were downtrodden, but when community started taking it as a challenge, things changed.
Juhapura today has changed from the time I started Hearty Mart in early 2004. It isn’t a downtrodden ghetto anymore. Muslims are aware and they own many small businesses which can match the professionalism of any upmarket entity.
Socially aware and educated Muslims of Juhapura came together to launch Mega Education Fair in the area since last few years. Young students of the area were exposed to many career oriented courses. Good English medium schools added the icing on the cake!
The area suddenly started shedding its image of a ghetto and professional real estate developers looked at the area with lots of interest. Upmarket, modern and tall apartments started emerging on the Juhapura/Makarba skylines.
Commercial complexes with shops offering range of good quality and home-grown products are seen everywhere. A marginalised ghetto today has turned the table and it is a place to eat good food and do a decent business.