In this raw and thought-provoking talk, Balram Vishwakarma explores a reality few are willing to confront: that the ability to dream big is, in fact, a privilege. Drawing from his lived experiences in Mumbai and his work as a self-proclaimed "non-academic ethnographer," he brings forth voices from the city’s labor class—people who seldom have the luxury to imagine a future beyond survival. With humor, insight, and deep social observation, Balram uncovers how environment, socioeconomic status, and access to role models directly shape the dreams people dare to have. Through hundreds of grassroots interviews with everyone from food delivery riders to welders and street vendors, he challenges conventional narratives of meritocracy and ambition. Balram also reflects on his own upbringing and the quiet limitations placed on dreams due to a lack of guidance, mentorship, and resources. He urges those in positions of influence—particularly graduates of elite institutions—to help democratize access to opportunity by offering internships, mentorship, and belief to those who come from less privileged backgrounds. Balram has previously worked with digital storytelling platforms like FilterCopy and Pocket Aces. His mission is simple yet powerful: to expand the boundaries of who gets to dream in India. Balram Vishwakarma is a Mumbai-based storyteller with a passion for documenting the lives of India’s urban labor class. His work shines a light on the resilience and quiet ambition of people in unorganized or gig economy jobs—hawkers, app-based workers, and self-employed professionals. Through his stories, Balram hopes to break down the misconceptions and biases surrounding these professions, encouraging empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of their struggles and dreams. When he’s not telling stories, Balram co-runs a communications organization that helps brands connect meaningfully with their audiences. Whether through his personal projects or professional work, his focus remains on amplifying voices that often go unheard and building narratives that inspire real change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx