Aiya's self-funded initiative brought drinking water to nearly 40 households
Balkrishna Aiya
CANACONA
Seventy-seven-year-old Balkrishna Aiya expressed immense satisfaction after learning that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acknowledged his work in addressing the drinking water crisis in his village during the recent edition of Mann Ki Baat.
"Now that our Prime Minister has taken note of my work and mentioned it in Mann Ki Baat, it will motivate me to continue serving society and spend the remaining years of my life with a sense of fulfilment," Aiya said.
Reflecting on the recognition, he added, "I feel deeply satisfied that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the efforts I made to provide water to the people in our locality. However, my greatest satisfaction came from the gratitude and appreciation expressed by my neighbours after years of struggle and hard work to ensure a reliable water supply for the community."
Aiya recalled the hardships faced by residents due to the lack of potable drinking water. "For many years, people, including myself, suffered because of inadequate access to safe drinking water. Seeing the joy and relief on the faces of residents after the project was completed made all the effort worthwhile," he said.
Speaking further, the retired school teacher remarked, "Today, anyone may be able to provide water in the area, but when the need was most urgent, it was the water made available through my efforts that sustained and protected our community."
Popularly known as Balkrishna Master, Aiya is a retired teacher of Shri Sharadhanand Vidyalaya. In his personal capacity, and without waiting for assistance from the local panchayat or government agencies, he single-handedly resolved the long-standing drinking water shortage in the Hundolle area of Madditolop ward in Loliem-Polem village of Canacona taluka.
To address the crisis, Aiya undertook the construction of a large open well, digging more than 40 metres deep until a dependable water source was reached. He subsequently installed a motor pump and laid pipelines to supply water to nearly 40 households in the surrounding area.
Apart from his community service, Aiya is also a well-known local artisan. He crafts traditional coconut-leaf brooms and is recognised for sculpting Ganesh and Saraswati idols during festive occasions.
Aiya's dedication to public welfare has now earned national recognition, with his efforts being highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an inspiring example of individual initiative and community service.
