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Guns and water

  • 30/03/2002

Guns and water "I took the responsibility of spreading water harvesting because of two reasons. One, it would have ensured water in the scarce areas," he says. For equally important for him was the "opportunity it gave me to mend my ill-doings". Today, his work has brought about a sea-change in the attitude of the people towards him. As a part of the mobilising process, he ensures that women are also involved in programmes. He has already established 30 mahila bachat samitis (women's saving groups) in the districts of Karauli.

The vagabond now travels for a cause, covering several miles each day to reach out to the people. A constant companion in his sometimes-solitary travels is his cycle, of which he is extremely possessive. "The cycle takes care of me so I too have some responsibility towards it," he professes. Admirable sentiments, given that he has many more miles to cover to make water harvesting transform people's destiny.

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