Everyone has desires and they get happiness by achieving those. But few get happiness by giving others a reason to smile. One of them is Kalmane Kamegowda, an 86-year-old beloved ‘water sage’ Kalmane Kamegowda, who passed away on Monday in the Mandya district of Karnataka.
Kamegowda, an environmentalist who never attended school, once said he’s spent more than Rs 10 Lakh from his and his son’s earnings, mainly through selling sheep he tended over the years, to dig a chain of 16 ponds on a picturesque hill near his village, 120 kilometres west of Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley.
Basavaraj Bommai CM of Karnataka paid his tributes to Kamegowda and called him “the modern Bharigatha”. “It was very sad to hear the news of the demise of Mr. Kamegowda, the water sage of Dasanadoddy in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, who was involved in water conservation and built more than 15 lakes and became known as modern Bhagirath,” he wrote.
The problem of water scarcity –
The ponds, constructed over the course of four decades, are meant to address the problem of water scarcity.
Known as “Pond Man” –
Kamegowda — known as “Pond Man” — says they’re “scientific” in nature, with the water flowing on a slope, enabling the ponds to avoid drying up even in the scorching summer months. Birds and wild animals such as bears, leopards, deer and foxes use the ponds to quench their thirst.
State Government praised his hard work –
The Karnataka state government praised his work two years ago with a prestigious award.
Recognition from PM Narendra Modi –
The national recognition came earlier this year when Modi lauded his work on his popular radio broadcast, calling Kamegowda an “ordinary farmer” with “an extraordinary personality.”
Dug 16 ponds –
“He has achieved a personal feat that will leave anyone awestruck,” the prime minister said, adding that Kamegowda “has dug 16 ponds, through his hard work and the sweat of his brow.”
Entire area has got a new lease of life –
“It is possible that the ponds he has constructed may not be very big, but then his efforts are huge,” Modi said. “Today, the entire area has got a new lease of life on account of these ponds.”
National award For Kamegowda –
Social groups are now urging Modi to honor Kamegowda with a national award.
Achievements –
Kamegowda, who has dozens of sheep, lives in a two-room unfinished shed next to his son’s house, and enjoys spending time with his family. He keeps all of the documents and newspaper clippings reflecting his achievements.
Most of the villagers are proud of me –
“Most of the villagers are proud of me, but those who are jealous try hard to malign my image,” he said. “I ask people not to pollute the ponds by washing clothes and restrict the use of water only for their livestock.”