We at Acumen Fund are deeply saddened to learn of yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families, our Mumbai-based investees, Fellows and friends and everyone connected to people who have been affected by the attacks. Our personal connection to Mumbai makes the city a home to us, even if we don’t live there.
While watching the TV coverage, I did want to share another feeling of connection, and that was to everyone associated with Acumen-investee Dial 1298 for Ambulance, who have been on the scene and responding to the attacks since they occurred late Wednesday night, as seen in footage on CNN, IBN and other networks.
1298 operates under the ethic of “ambulance service for all.” Per its own policy, it provides free...
from the Toronto Star Marc and Craig KielburgerWalking through the slums of Mumbai is never easy. Rows on rows of corrugated tin shacks line the narrow streets, most of them rusted and seemingly on the verge of collapse.Outside, upwards of a million other people too poor even for a shack live on the street among piles of garbage. There are so many of them that the sidewalks are nearly impassable.They exist in the shadows of the Mumbai's apartment buildings, some glitzy enough to rival the famous addresses of Manhattan both in luxury and price. Others are more run-of-the-mill but still cost thousands of dollars a month just to rent.Such is life in India's financial capital, where skyrocketing real estate prices have created two worlds in this city of 14 million people. Space now goes for...