This video is tribute to water cup competition and village Ambale's determination to fight drought!
Shramdan @Ambale—20th May
We started early in the morning at 5:45 from Pune
and reached Ambale village around 8 am. Ambale village is towards the east of
Pune and approx. 60 km from Pune city. To keep up with the spirit of the tasks
ahead, the Organising Team quizzed us on topics such as, water conservation,
history of Barclays & General Knowledge. Tasty goodies were won and
colleagues didn’t realize how the 2 hour journey to the village was traversed.
Upon reaching, local social workers Sachin and
Sanjaynana welcomed us they are working with Paani foundation. We were
pleasantly surprised with welcome song by school girls. We then relished the
yummy home-made breakfast which had every bit of magic one can expect from a
locally grown food. Colleagues then headed straight to the mission – Drought
Free Village. We picked-up the tools like spade and metal baskets that
were completely new to us and started a kilometer long march to the work
location. There was another surprise for us as the march was led by local
villagers beating drums and singing songs. The purpose of drum beating was to
awaken and to motivate villagers to participate in Shramdan activity.
Upon reaching the work location, the technical
trainers from the Paani foundation explained what needed to be done and how. We
immediately formed groups of 8 and started working without any delay. Remember,
we are used to working in air-conditioned environment every day and we rarely
step out on a sunny day for any kind of physical activity. Therefore, we
found it difficult to believe that we were using real agricultural tools with
so much of ease. We helped create several CCTs (Continuous Contour Tranche) on
the hill. CCTs are horizontal trenches that hold water in them and also reduce
water flow down the slope preventing soil erosion. The goal of CCTs is to
efficiently harvest water thereby increasing the ground water table/ level.
Though it was sunny day in peak summer, everyone worked hard with enthusiasm.
On finishing the Shramdan we all gathered together in circle and social workers
enacted on songs which gave message for uniting everyone to work on watershed
management. Finally, totally tired and exhausted we walked back to the school
where the villagers served us the tastiest Pithla-Bhakri along with thecha and
chutney. Although the menu was modest, everyone enjoyed the food and were in
all praise for ladies who cooked the food.
The activity ended with Paani foundation team
expressing gratitude and we thanking them back for a wonderful opportunity. We
were all surprised when the Government Agriculture Officer overseeing the
activity informed us about what we have accomplished. Together we helped create
1,285 running meter CCT which has created capacity to store 5.40 Lacs liters of
water! With 100% satisfaction and promise of returning to Ambale village for
more such activities in future we started our return journey. Everyone was
asleep within no time on the way back due to mild body ache and a sense of
achievement.
We intend to carry out many such activities in the
near future. After all great things happen with consistent efforts over a
period of time, and we.. We have just begun…
Background song: Vaat Disu De by Ajay Atul, Zee Music. Movie - Jau dya Na Balasaheb
Event photographs: Sameer Gaikwad, Sujan Vinayakan
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