Land of Opportunity...and Problems
Mumbai has tremendous resources, energy, intellect, culture and history. And opportunities.
But it also has severe problems that hurt every Mumbaikar.
Climate change and poorly planned urbanisation are making these worse.
Are there systemic ways to make Mumbai more Liveable + Sustainable?
How can we make Mumbai a truly world-class city–as it once was?
What is the Mumbai Donut CoLAB?
A long-term Collective Action initiative that uses the Donut Economics Model and Systems Thinking to visualize a better future for Mumbai, and to develop, test and implement solutions towards that future.
We work with Citizens, NGOs, Government, Startups, the Media and Businesses,
to develop and support initiatives at the City, Ward and Neighborhood levels.
The objective is to balance needs of the economy, society and environment.
The method is to increase citizen interest and involvement in Mumbai's future.
The goal is to make Mumbai happier, sustainable and more prosperous.
What is Donut Economics?
Donut Economics was developed by Oxford University economist Kate Raworth.
The premise is that economies, and societies, should be designed to thrive, not just to grow. This requires fundamental shifts in how economists and policymakers set goals. She identified:
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12 Social “Foundations”: The basic needs to live healthy and happy lives; and
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9 Ecological “Ceilings”: Boundaries we must not breach in order to avoid ecological destruction and collapse.
Sustainable Prosperity is achieved when we meet the Social Foundations without breaching the Ecological Ceilings—this zone is called the “Donut.”
We need to rethink the goals and purpose of our economy and society.
Many cities and regions across the world are using it to move towards a better future. It’s time Mumbai did too.
The Donut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) at Oxford conducts research and advances its knowledge and application. Visit their homepage.
TED Talk by Kate Raworth: A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow
Donut Economics at LSE: A new economic vision for cities
The Donut Model for Mumbai
The 21 Dimensions have been adapted slightly to reflect Mumbai's specific geography, society and economy.
How can we meet the above Social Foundations without breaching the Environmental Ceilings, to improve the living conditions and quality of life of 20 million Mumbaikars?
Plan and Activities
As a Collective Action initiative, MDC will work with Citizens, NGOs, Government, Startups, the Media and Businesses, to develop and support initiatives at the City, Sub-City (ward) and neighborhood levels. Our plans will evolve based on the needs of our Partners.
Priorities for 2024
Collate Data
Compile from various sources to create a detailed view of the 21 Dimensions, through the Mumbai Donut Fellowship
Build Networks
Conduct workshops and bring together entrepreneurs, govt officials, academia and NGOs to share and learn
Priorities beyond 2025
Demos and XIDs
Develop and test ideas with Partners, including Experience Improvement Districts (XID) as a novel concept in India
Engagement + Advocacy
Engage citizens, experts, civic orgs and Government to develop whitepapers and help create a better Mumbai
Our Team
Manas Rath worked at Avendus Capital, Dasra and BORDA, and now runs LEAP Cities. He has extensive experience on urban issues, and has advised several social / environmental businesses and NGOs. He has led projects for the Gates Foundation, European Commission and MoHUA, and helped setup the Dutch TaS Impact Investment Fund. He has degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Management from MIT and the Sloan School of Management.
Sweta Jhunjhunwala has held technology and management roles at major global corporations like TCS, KPMG, GE, PepsiCo and Majesco over the last 30 years. She has a passion for water and environmental sustainability, and pursuing ambitious goals of getting clean water for everyone by bringing technology to river rejuvenation at NGO Tulsipatra Foundation. She studied Computer Engineering at VJTI, Mumbai and has a Masters in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, USA.
Chandramouli Sharma has been a teacher, facilitator and mentor to children and people, and learnt how to help organizations and individuals achieve their highest potential. A Computer Engineer from NIT (Karnataka), he worked at Microsoft's research team, and was a Teach for India Fellow. He also works with Vikalp Sangam, a network of 85 organizations across India working on various Alternative Development models.