SIRSI, 7 FEB

In an inspiring act of selflessness and determination, Gauri Nayka, 55, a resident of Ganesh Nagar in Sirsi, Uttar Kannada district, has taken on the task of digging a well to find a solution to the acute water scarcity for the children attending the local Anganwadi Centre No 6.

With unwavering resolve, Nayka has embarked on the challenging endeavour of excavating a four-foot-diameter well within the premises of the Anganwadi Centre. Nayka's son, Vinay Nayka, 35, shared insights into her relentless dedication, highlighting her daily routine and commitment to completing the well within a timeframe of 90 days.

Despite facing challenges, including the absence of her late husband, Nayka's unwavering determination serves as an inspiration to her family and community alike. “Every day, she used to dig one and a half feet, utilising basic tools such as a hoe, pickaxe, basket, and rope to remove soil,” he said.

Her goal was to complete the well within a month, providing a sustainable water source for the community. The Anganwadi Centre caters to 15 children in the locality, offering essential care and early education. Jyoti Nayka, a teacher at the Anganwadi Center, expressed profound gratitude for Gauri Nayka's selfless initiative, emphasising the critical importance of access to clean water for the well-being of the children.