On the occasion of Maharashtra Day -May 1- lakhs of residents or ‘Jalmitras’ will be coming out to work shoulder to shoulder with villagers as a part of Aamir Khan’s the Paani foundation, which aims to combat the drought in the state.
Satyamev Jayate, Khan’s TV show that started in 2012, focused on issues that required social change.
The response to the show was phenomenal as people from various walks of showed keenness to make a difference.
They zeroed in on the issue of water scarcity and decided to work in Maharashtra, thereby starting their non-profit, Paani Foundation, which aimed to spread knowledge about water management and groundwater replenishment.
Villages are assessed on watershed management and water conservation works for the competition.
The secret is Aamir‘s unique charisma that serves as the glue to enthuse and bind the people.
Each competing village then sends five representatives, including two women, for training.
The four-day training includes technical as well as repair and maintenance training.
The Paani Foundation arms the representatives with solid technical resources.
The Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), based in Ahmednagar, is Paani Foundation’s knowledge partner.