Aslam, a Mumbai-based social documentary photographer, educator, environmentalist, and anthropologist, focuses on the intersection of culture, environment, and indigenous communities. He holds an M.A. in Anthropology, an MSc in Environmental Science, a Diploma in Archaeology, and a B.E. in Automobile Engineering, supplemented by photography training. His career spans projects like the Mumbai Rivers Photo Project, documenting tribal and Koli life along Mumbai’s rivers, and The Last Bhistis of Mumbai, preserving the legacy of water carriers. As a Dr. Aroon Tikekar Memorial Fellow, he researched Palghar’s tribal festivals, linking them to ecology. Co-founding Hallu Hallu, he leads walks featured on BBC and DW, promoting indigenous rights.
As a visiting lecturer at Sophia College, St. Xavier’s, and others, and a former Canon Training Center mentor, he teaches photography and storytelling. His exhibitions, including 25 Mumbai Rivers street shows, and awards underscore his impact. Passionate about urban ecology and cultural preservation, he engages communities through advocacy and education.