In Rajasthan's Barmer, when the mercury climbs and most people hesitate to step out at noon, 86-year-old Thanaram sets off from home. His destination is a small bus stand nearly 6 kilometres away, and his only aim is simple: to make sure the travellers and passers-by who stop there do not stay thirsty. Carried out without any expectation of reward, his service has now run for close to two decades and has become an example for everyone in the area.
At a time when people are so wrapped up in their own work that sparing a moment for others feels difficult, Thanaram offers a different picture of humanity, and at an age when most spend their days worrying about rest and health. Even now he covers the roughly 6-kilometre stretch on foot every single day, sits at the bus stand and gives water to whoever needs it.
More Than Eighteen Buses Pass Every Day
Whether it is blistering heat or a baking desert, Thanaram Kadwasara's routine has continued unbroken for the last 19 years. Each day he walks 6 kilometres from his home to the Hudo ki Dhani bus stand, where he serves cool water to people selflessly. More than one and a half dozen buses pass through this small Barmer bus stand every day, and those travelling on them find a sip of relief here.
A Story That Began With a Famine
The roots of this mission go back several years. During a famine in the village, more than a dozen animals would wander about in search of water. Seeing this, Thanaram first began giving water to these voiceless creatures. Around the same time, he noticed that people passing along the road were also troubled by thirst. From that very day, the effort to quench human thirst began, and 19 years on it continues at the same pace.
No Hoarding, No Donation Box, Just Cool Pot Water
The most striking thing about Thanaram's unusual water stall is that there is no big hoarding here, no donation box has been placed, and he has never asked anyone for a single rupee of help. For nearly two decades he has quietly gone about this work without any fuss. The water is kept in earthen pots so that it stays cool, and his family sometimes lends a hand in this good deed. Thanaram believes there is no greater virtue in life than giving water to someone who is thirsty.
