Jaleswar: A strong believer in the age old maxim ‘Service to mankind is service to God’, Gangadhar Sahu has been offering drinking water and food to the thirsty and hungry commuters at Nandika on Jaleswar-Paschima Bad-Kapasia road here in Balasore district for 20 years now.
Gangadhar, a resident of Chakbaban village of Aruha panchayat under Jaleswar block in Balasore district, believes that if water and food is given to the thirsty and the hungry, the donator earns virtue which is much more than that in case of offering goodies to a deity in a temple.
Gangadhar can be seen sitting under a banayan tree at Nandika with water, lemon water, lemons, cucumbers and watermelons every Monday. Whenever a thirsty commuter approaches him, Gangadhar quenches his thirst with water and ‘sherbat’. He offers him some fruits as well.
“In this summer, Gangadhar greets and treats us with water and fruits. He has been doing this for the last 20 years. Words cannot simply describe the goodness of his deeds,” stated a few people.
“Since it getting hotter by the day in summer every year, I decided to help people out. Twenty years back I decided that there is nothing better than satisfying parched throats. And I have continued to do that,” states Gangadhar.
“At the moment when thirst has been quenched, a person feels like getting a new lease of life. I get immense pleasure looking at the joy that shines on the person’s face,” added the benovalent Gangadhar.
Gangadhar’s water kiosk opens for four months starting from Odia month of Chaitra.
“Earlier my wife Binapani used to assist me. Last year she passed away,” Gangadhar reminisced with tears rolling down his cheeks.
The loss of his life partner has not deterred Gangadhar from serving people. This summer his kiosk is again functioning. His relatives Kanhu Charan Patra and Debatosh Nayak have extended help. “I spend a portion of my savings in opening the water kiosk. This year benevolent people like Kanhu and Debatosh have come forward to help me. After my wife’s death I was doubtful whether I would be able to open my kiosk, but support and help have been forthcoming,” he added.
His act is a sure way of telling the government what single-minded devotion and determination can do. Taps of kiosks set up by government dries up within a few days, but Gangadhar’s kiosk never goes dry. Kudos to the man for his perseverance.
PNN
