The Land That Waited
In the village of Achariya Theru in Vadanerkundram (Marakanam block, Villupuram district), farming has long been the heartbeat of life. But with two consecutive years of failed rains, hope had started to dry up — literally.
Fields that once grew paddy were now parched. The lake, a vital water source, still had water, but the canal that once carried it to the fields was overgrown with weeds and thorny plants, left unattended for years. As families migrated to cities in search of work, the land remained — waiting.
Clogged canal weeds before cleaning
A Meeting, A Moment of Resolve
When a Goonj volunteer visited the village, he didn’t bring solutions — he asked questions. A meeting was called with the local leaders and the women’s collective. The problem was known, but for the first time in years, there was interest in doing something about it, together.
Through Goonj’s “Dignity for Work” (formerly CFW) initiative, the community decided to act. A group of 138 people came together to clean and widen a 500-meter stretch of the canal. With sickles, spades, and resolve, they reclaimed what was always theirs.
The Water Returned. So Did Hope.
With the canal cleared, lake water began flowing once again, reaching fields that hadn’t seen proper irrigation in seasons. The effect was immediate: paddy fields flourished, and harvests improved across the village.
Among those most affected was Mr. Solai, a farmer and long-time resident. Though he had faced multiple challenges in tending to his land due to accessibility and water issues, he was now able to harvest a good crop. With his earnings, he not only repaid old debts but also purchased seeds for the next season and covered his children’s school fees.
Canal water flowing farmland
From Abandonment to Ownership
This was not a story of aid — but of collective resilience. The villagers didn’t wait for outside help. They took the first step. And Goonj’s role was only to walk beside them.
In Vadanerkundram, the canal was just the beginning. What flowed afterward was self-belief, purpose, and the understanding that development doesn’t arrive — it is restored, together.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
