India is currently grappling with a significant water crisis, as revealed by a recent government report indicating that reservoir levels across the country have plunged to five-year lows. This alarming trend has led to severe water shortages, particularly in rural and tribal areas, leaving lakhs of people in dire straits.
Amidst this bleak landscape, one individual is shining a beacon of hope: Dr. Praveen Chakravarthy, a dedicated social worker from Andhra Pradesh. With a commitment to addressing both water scarcity and social inequalities, Praveen’s journey has taken him from cultural enthusiast to a transformative figure in the fight for water equality.
His path shifted dramatically during a visit to a remote village, where he witnessed the harsh realities of water access. Despite a borewell being nearby, a woman had to walk four miles to fetch water—a heartbreaking situation exacerbated by caste discrimination, which prevented her from using the borewell. This pivotal moment ignited a fire within Praveen, inspiring him to advocate for a caste-free water source.
Thus began his ambitious project: the creation of the first caste-free well. This 400-foot deep borewell is now accessible to all, serving approximately 10,000 families. Praveen’s vision has transformed into a flourishing initiative, proving that one seed of change can grow into a mighty tree.
For over 13 years, Dr. Praveen has undertaken remarkable journeys to the most marginalized areas of India. He has faced numerous challenges, often traversing difficult terrains on foot to conduct surveys and engage with local communities. Through his efforts, he has raised awareness about the importance of equitable water access.
To combat the water crisis, Dr. Praveen established special teams in 6,000 villages. These teams conducted surveys that identified water scarcity in over 2,000 villages, leading to the installation of borewells that now provide drinking water to more than 1.5 million people. His efforts have resulted in the installation of over 2,100 borewells across four states: Andhra Pradesh (1,200), Odisha (400), Jharkhand (300), and Bihar (200).
Once socially and economically discriminated against, these communities now benefit from clean drinking water, thanks to Dr. Praveen’s relentless struggle. He has empowered local groups not just for well construction, but also for the management and maintenance of water resources, establishing a stable system that addresses both water scarcity and caste-based discrimination.
Dr. Praveen Chakravarthy’s mission extends beyond providing clean water; it promotes humanity and social justice. His efforts have united many people, including friends, NGOs, and international supporters, in a collective endeavor to uplift marginalized communities and restore their dignity.
Inspired by his father, SS Kiran Kumar, who served at the Sylom Blind Centre, Praveen has inherited a legacy of compassion and service. His life exemplifies the notion that tackling water scarcity requires addressing social inequalities.
Every step of Dr. Praveen’s journey illustrates the need for collective action in teaching society the values of equity and justice. His work reminds us that sustainable solutions to water crises must intertwine technical approaches with efforts to eradicate societal inequalities.
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