Yen for service runs in the blood

Why do you do shramdaan?
Because it is holy work. My father used to tell me participation in community work is real service to god.

How did you learn to make mojars?
From my father. It is in our blood. My grandfather also was a mojar specialist. When I was a child, I used to watch my father making mojars to store rain water in our fields. Gradually, I picked up the technique and now I teach others. However, my sons don't want to learn because they prefer government employment.

How long have you participated in shramdaan?
For 35 years. Even today, I remember vividly my first trip with my father to the dam site. I wanted to work, but I was asked to watch for some more years. However, by the next year I was helping my father.

What are the technicalities involved in making mojars?
First of all, ordinary wet soil cannot be used. It has to be a proper mix of soil and water that is stomped on for hours. If the proportions of water and soil are not correct, the mojar will not curb water flow. Also, tying up mojars with paddy straw requires dexterity. If the knot is loose, the mojar will not last.

What is most crucial aspect of the dam-building process?
It is the gud lagana (arresting the flow completely). More than 5,000 people are required to stop the flow by placing mojars and sand bags in the middle of the dam in 25 minutes. That is the most risky part. A delay of just 10 minutes can ruin the entire effort. On the other hand, if everything goes well, it can also be the most pleasant day of the month-long work. There is a festive air on gud lagana day and sweet vendors and paanwalas set up stalls to cater to those who come to watch.