Bapurao Tajne has now become a blessing for his entire community.
By Sreekanth A. Nair
The courage and determination of a Dalit man have become a blessing to the entire community in Kalambeshwar village of Washim district in the state of Maharashtra.
Bapurao Tajne single-handedly dug a well in the village after his wife Sangita was barred from taking water from a well which is being used by the upper caste people in the drought-hit village.
Tajne worked tirelessly for 40 days before he discovered water in the well. He spent six extra hours daily for digging the well; four hours before leaving for his work and two hours after return. A daily wager, he couldn’t give up his work for digging the well.
“I don’t want to name the well owner for I don’t want bad blood in the village. However, I feel that he insulted us because we are poor and Dalits. I came home that day in March and almost cried. I resolved never to beg for water from anybody. I went to Malegaon (the closest town) and bought tools and within an hour, I started digging,” Tajne told The Times of India.
Everyone in the village, including his wife, used to mock him when he was doing the work. But, now, they have realized the importance of his effort and are appreciating him. People across the village are now collecting water from his well. Surprisingly, Tajne didn’t have any previous experience in digging a well.
“I did not help him a bit until he struck water. Now the whole family, except the two kids, helps him as he deepens and widens the well. It is already 15 feet deep and Bapurao wants to dig 5 feet further. It is 6 feet wide at the top and he wants to make it 8 feet wide. We are hoping our neighbors will help us in this task,” Sangita was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Government officials have visited his house and praised his effort. Many people are also coming forward to help him. Well-known film actor Nana Patekar has promised to meet him soon and a social worker has given him Rs. 5000 ($75).