30th Anniversary Edition. Spring The magazine from Wells for India. Just Add Water. 30 years of harvesting water

30th Anniversary Edition Spring 2017 63 The magazine from Wells for India Just Add Water 30 years of harvesting water

BAHUT DHANYAVAAD THANK YOU VERY MUCH We d like to thank everyone who has helped us to help rural communities in India combat water poverty, and in particular: Individuals James Beazley Julie Bushell Julian English Martin Gilbraith Daniela Healey Carolyn Humphrey Nick Langham Daphne Maher Jamille Martin Pam Meir Robina Newman Adam Nicholls Janet Porter Emma Rimell James Stanway Jo Tanter Dan Williams All our regular givers 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 17 19 A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR PROJECT MAP SUPER SUPPORTERS FUNDRAISER PROFILE PARTNER PROFILE: TARUN BHARAT SANGH (TBS) 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL REVIEW WELLS FOR INDIA SHARING AND LEARNING ONLINE SHOP SPRING SPECIAL WISHING WELL CHARITY GIFTS ORDER FORM REPORT FROM INDIA: WOMEN FOR WOMEN Groups and Companies Big Stuff Eastleigh Charity Christmas Card Shop, St Mary s Church, Shrewsbury Fair Ground Fair Trade, Wimborne Manow Thai Restaurant, Winchester North South Travel Peacejam UK Shrewton Churches Together U3A Prudoe United Nations Southampton University of Northampton University of Winchester Wessex Mercure Hotel Winchester & Eastleigh Methodist Circuit Winchester Cathedral Winchester Guildhall (Charity Card Shop) Winchester Rotary (Clarendon Marathon) Our sincere condolences to the family of Peter Seddon, who passed away in November 2016. Peter was immensely supportive to Wells for India and founded the first ever newsletter. COVER IMAGE Omimages EDITOR Nicky Springthorpe CONTRIBUTORS Dawn Flach Maureen Gupta Nicholas & Mary Grey Om Prakash Sharma DESIGN Buttercross Creative

Dear friends, It s been a busy nine months since I first grasped the reins as Chair, and except for a few bumps in the road, I ve been overwhelmed by how hard everyone has worked to help us tackle the life critical effects of water poverty a very big thank you to you all. With a tough funding climate, I ve been striving to make us as impactful and relevant as possible. So when I was lucky enough to visit some of our projects for the first time recently, I couldn t have been more impressed by how our work has changed people s lives. I met women, now freed of the burdens of fetching water, who had time to join other women to create cooperatives. This gave them new opportunities to sell produce or milk together, where they couldn t independently. I was truly humbled by meeting people with such amazing spirit and resilience for survival. How good the chai tasted when made straight from the milked cow at every village I loved it! We will work hard in the UK over the coming months to align who we say we are with what we do. The work has already begun with the launch of our new website (if you haven t had a chance to see it yet, we re at: www.wellsforindia.org), which along with a stronger online presence is starting to attract a younger and broader audience of support. In India, we re pushing ahead to create an infrastructure that will allow us to receive the many generous offers of support from Indian donors, within India. So even though I m still learning, I m proud to be at the helm for Wells for India s 30th birthday year and hope you can join me for a slice of cake at our party on 6th October. Om Prakash Sharma (left), Rajendra Singh (right) showing me how our work makes a difference in India Neil Mehta Chair Gandhi stamp image Catwalker / Shutterstock.com WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 3

Where we work and what we do GANGA NAGAR HA 1 21yrs Partner: Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS) Project: Capturing and learning about water efficiency, men and women working together to develop ways to earn a living from grain, fodder and livestock JAISALMER 3 16yrs Partner: Mahan Seva Sansthan (MSS) Project: Learning about and implementing drip irrigation systems using less water for stronger crops, collective production and selling vegetables 2 1 BARMER BIKANER 2 13yrs Partner: Jal Bhagirathi Foundation (JBF) Project: Capturing water and improving quality, improving sanitation, learning and leveraging government and private support JODHPUR RAJASTH PALI CHURU NAGAUR 4 16yrs Partner: Mahan Seva Sansthan (MSS) JALOR RAJSAMAND Project: Learning and improving water quality and sanitation, learning and leveraging 3 SIROHI 4 CHITTAUR GAR government support 5 KACHCHH GUJURAT 9 BANAS KANTHA UDAIPUR PRATAP 5 24yrs Partner: Hanuman Van MAHESANA Vikas Samiti (HVVS) DUNGARPUR Project: Learning about hygiene, improving SABAR KANTHA sanitation, monitoring and improving BANSWARA water quality, managing waste, leveraging government support Current projects as at March 2017. Years indicate length of partnership. 4 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

NUMANGARH JHUNJHU NUN SIKAR 6 3yrs Partner: Tarun Bharat a Sangh (TBS) Project: Capturing and learning about water effic fficie ency, sharing and saving together 6 ALWAR Building to capture and retain water Building to improve access to safer drinking water Building to improve sanitation 8 AN AJMER 7 JAIPUR 7 5yrs DAUSA Partner: Prayas Kendra Sanstha Harsoli (PKS) Project: Capturing water and impro roving quality, growing and selling produce, sanitationion teaching, sharing and saving together while seeking government support Strengthening community governance Educating communities to make best use of scarce water and improve sanitation Empowering communities to develop ways to earn a living Enabling women to have a voice, a choice and a future H GARH 8 9yrs Partner: Gram Vikas Nav Yuvak Mandal (GVNML) Project: Learning to plant, grow and care for trees to improve the land, lives and earn a living, while working together er to leverage government support 9 0yrs Partner: Apna Sansthan (AS) Project: Impro proving agricultural wa ater efficiency, developing market skills and acces ss for farmers, empower wering women RAJASTHAN INDIA Supporting communities in water emergencies SIZE OF MAINLAND UK SIZE OF MAINLAND UK IN COMPARISON TO RAJASTHAN AND INDIA WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 5

Get Involved How can you help fight water poverty? Warriors for Wells We re inspired by Kunal Vekaria of Head Projects Group who along with cousins, Darpan Patel and Ritesh Hirani, ran a 10k obstacle course in The Warrior Adrenaline Race in aid of Wells for India. They raised an impressive 425 thanks to family, friends and work colleagues. Lemon+Aid Maya Grenia had the great idea to sell water and other drinks from her Lemon+Aid stand to raise awareness of girls in India who miss school while fetching water. Raising a tremendous $1000, Maya s donation will cover the costs of two water capture taankas so girls from two families can stop fetching water and go to school. Thanks Maya! Fundraise for fun Water Harvest Supper Successfully nominated by Alan Frostick, Crosscrake's church in Kendal, Cumbria, hosted a Christian harvest supper, which resulted in a brilliant 1,120 donation to Wells for India including 100 from the local Girl Guides. Held at the nearby Punchbowl Inn pub in Barrows Green, the food was great and so was the company. Selfie for Santa The University of Northampton s geography students were busy raising awareness and funds for Wells for India in the run up to Christmas last year, which resulted in a lovely 136 donation. They hosted a Christmas Fair with home-made Christmas cards, a Selfie with Santa photo opportunity and a pin the nose on Rudolph game. 6 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

FUNDRAISER PROFILE Running for Water NAME: JAMES WALKER AGE: 27 HOME: BATH, UK OCCUPATION Studying MSc Environmental Management (focusing on water) at the University of the West of England (Bristol). FUNDRAISING EVENT/ACTIVITY The Virgin Money London Marathon on 23rd April 2017. FUNDRAISING TARGET 5,000. TARGET TIME/DISTANCE Under four hours. I've been really touched by people's donations, and every sponsorship makes me more motivated. Have you ever run a marathon before? No, never, but it was a great opportunity to try something new. At first the training was really difficult and I couldn t comprehend running for 26 miles, but now I love it and I ll do more runs in the future. How did you come across Wells for India? Mark Everard (Wells for India Ambassador) is one of my lecturers. He hosted a talk by Om Prakash Sharma, and I decided to get involved. What inspired you to fundraise for Wells for India? I was in India last year and the inequality and distribution of wealth was quite striking. I was really motivated by the success of Wells for India s work and the passion of everyone involved. It s also a great opportunity for me to challenge myself! Sponsorship = Support Show your support for James by helping him to smash his 5,000 targett TEXT WFIN00 5 to 70070 SECURELY ONLINE virginmoneygiving.com/ ing.com/ running_for_water CHEQUE To Wells for India, marked London Marathon 2017 on the back and send to: Basepoint, 1 Winnall Valley Road, Winchester SO23 0LD, UK NAADI Man-made village ponds for the whole community to use, naadis are a traditional way of keeping water locally in dryland areas most Rajasthani villages have 4 5. They collect rainwater from adjoining natural catchments but are prone to silting and contamination. Covered water taankas preserve water longer and are more hygienic. Om Prakash Explains WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 7

PARTNER PROFILE: TARUN BHARAT SANGH (TBS) Right as Rain Though a shadow of their former glory from deforestation and over-mining, the Rajasthani foothills of the Aravalli Range of mountains are an impressive backdrop to the development organisation, Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS). Meaning Young Indians Association, TBS was founded more than 40 years ago by students and professors from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, to promote rural education. By the mid-80s, Rajendra Singh was Chairman (see his profile on page 9), and having moved TBS to the harsh and semi-arid lands of the Alwar District supporting two tribal groups (Meenas on the plains and Gujjars in the hills), its priorities soon shifted to water when they saw the desperate need. With wildly fluctuating seasonal temperatures (India s highest at 50.6 C / 123.1 F until 2016), dried rivers and no groundwater for decades, both humans and the vast biodiversity of wildlife, including the tigers, were perishing. However, when Rajendra Singh and hundreds of volunteers began reviving traditional water harvesting methods to capture and store the sporadic rains to recharge groundwater, rivers and ponds, life began to flourish. FACT FILE 1,000 villages and 1 million people have benefitted from TBS work. It wasn t until 2014 that Rajendra Singh s good friend, Om Prakash Sharma, Wells for India s Director, agreed to an ambitious new project partnership co-funded by the local community in the Sarsa river catchment. Alongside building Johads' (check dams used to retain water and recharge groundwater, for which Rajendra Singh had become world-renowned), their ambition was to challenge centuries of tradition, Drip irrigation = 50% water saving 8 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

introducing ways to use less water in agricultural production. Almost 170 farmers co-invested in drip irrigation kits and sprinkler systems, whereby methods of using less water achieved significantly improved crops. The results were staggering an 80% time saving and 50% water saving, increased income (they could charge a higher price for better quality crops) and faster harvests so additional crops of coriander and ladies finger (okra) could be planted. Increased fodder for cattle improved milk production so the famous Alwar milk dessert Kalakand could once again be made. Surrounding communities couldn't believe how much the farmers had prospered and were soon asking to get involved. So TBS and Wells for India agreed to their second project, starting in late Spring 2017, which will see even more families benefit. Now, with more water availability, smart ways to use it more sparingly, and the chance to build more sustainable livelihoods, families really are becoming right as rain. MEET RAJENDRA SINGH Often called The Water Man of India and winner of the Stockholm Water Prize (known as the Nobel Prize for water), Rajendra Singh is an inspiring force for good. Championing the water rights of rural communities with government and business, he was named by The Guardian newspaper in the top 50 people who could save the planet. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1959, a talk by the Gandhi Peace Foundation set Rajendra s course to help rural communities. As Chairman of Tarun Bharat Sangha (TBS), in 1984, Rajendra sold all his worldly goods for 23,000, (around 240) and took a bus to the final stop Alwar District, Rajasthan. Rajendra delivered Ayurvedic medicine and education until a village elder said: Water is a much bigger problem than education. You need to work with your hands if you really want to help!. Seeing that traditional water conservation techniques had been abandoned in favour of bore wells, Rajendra began reviving and building Johads', earthen dams that stored rainwater and recharged groundwater. He has since built 375 dams in the Arvari river catchment bringing water for the first time in 60 years, won court-cases closing down 470 mines to stop water evaporating in pits, helped build over 8,600 johads capturing water in 1,000 villages and revived five rivers. WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 9

After 30 years, Wells for India has supported 1,600 villages and 1.6m people, providing 1.3bn litres of water 2 4 1 1973 Image 1 Gandhi disciple, Ramsahai Purohit, inspires Nicholas and Mary Grey in Belgium after he completes a peace walk from India to Rome, Italy, meeting the Pope. 1987 Image 2 Joining Ramsahai in Rajasthan, Nicholas is shocked by a drought where wells have dried up and 60 million animals die. A UK charity to raise awareness and funds called Wells for India is born. 3 1989 Image 3, 4 Wells for India builds and deepens wells in 80 villages in response to worsening drought conditions. 1994 Image 5 Realising that water provision is the key to particularly girl s education, Wells for India launches a decentralised water supply scheme in 83 villages with the government. 5 1999 Image 6 Drought devastates rural villages in Rajasthan once again, lasting four more years. Wells for India responds with emergency supplies of water, food supplements and fodder for cattle. 10 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

9 11 12 6 10 13 2001 Image 7, 8 Om Prakash Sharma, a water engineer, joins Wells for India to lead projects in India. He recognises that providing the ability to capture rainwater, rather than fixing wells to tap parched groundwater sources, is more sustainable and focuses on water harvesting. 2003 Image 10 Wells for India creates women s self-help groups where learning to manage money and save together builds confidence and a future for their families. Following more severe droughts, Wells for India provides emergency relief to 120 villages. 7 8 2004 HRH Prince of Wales invites Wells for India to a fundraising event at Windsor Castle raising 50,000. 2006 Image 9 The England Cricket team and HRH Prince of Wales present funds to Wells for India s projects, in the face of severe flooding in Rajasthan. 2007 Wells for India s India office is established and expands its water and sanitation education programmes due to increasing water-borne diseases and deaths. 2012 The UN Millennium Development Goals meet their target to halve the number of people without access to safe water while Wells for India hosts a reception at the House of Lords, raising issues including water safety. 2014 Image 11 India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launches the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign), aiming to install 120m toilets by 2019. Wells for India works with the government on sanitation projects. 2015 Image 12 Nicholas and Mary are made Honorary co-presidents. Wells for India introduces ways of reducing water usage through drip irrigation in farming, and develops new opportunities to sell crops. 2017 Image 13 Today, Wells for India s current projects place a great importance on building communities governance skills to make decisions cooperatively across caste and religion, and lobby for government funds. So much work has been achieved and yet there s so much more to do! WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 11

Sharing and learning A Meeting of Minds at the University of West England (UWE) In a changing world, Wells for India believes in sharing and collaborating with like-minded organisations to innovate for new ways to alleviate water poverty. As such, it was a pleasure for Wells for India to present to Environmental Management students at UWE, supported by their Associate Professor and Wells for India s new Ambassador, Dr Mark Everard, who said: What Wells for India is doing is one of those precious jewels scattered across the face of the Earth from which wider society needs to learn, before the roots of the tree are totally debilitated. Sharing Successes at Voices from the Desert, October 2016 Friends and supporters alike enjoyed a very informative presentation from Om Prakash Sharma, Wells for India s India Director, sharing the successes of the past year and exciting plans for the future. A big thank you to our friends at the Gandhi Restaurant in Winchester for providing a wonderful Indian supper afterwards. Wells for India DATES FOR THE DIARY 9 MAY 2017 Spring Sammelan Charity Dinner Enjoy a delicious Thai meal and hear the latest from Rajasthan at our annual Spring charity dinner. From 7.30 9.30pm at Manow Thai Restaurant, Winchester SO23 8AH, tickets are just 25 (first drink included). Places are strictly limited reserve your seats by e-mailing: office@wellsforindia.org, then pay on the night. 6 OCTOBER 2017 30th Anniversary Party for Wells for India Save the date for an evening of celebration in Itchen Abbas, Winchester more details to follow! Inspiring Young Leaders Committed to Positive Change at PeaceJam 2017 Wells for India was delighted to host a workshop for a lively group of 14 18 year olds called Water, Women and Sanitation in March this year. Activities included looking at why rural communities in Rajasthan have water shortages and possible solutions, female participants carrying water on their heads, like the women in Rajasthan who fetch water, to think about what problems this causes, and what difference improved sanitation will make to the elderly, disabled and women in particular. 12 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

Appeal Wells for India Appeal Wells Every Drop Counts Many of our 50 farming families in the Aravalli mountain range have been trained and are now using drip irrigation systems, thanks to the Every Drop Counts appeal. Using 50% less water, they are growing stronger and more abundant crops such as mustard seeds and coriander, which they are selling at better prices in new markets. Our funds fall short of helping just three remaining families can you help us reach the remaining 1,500? If you have already supported this appeal, thank you your donation is creating sustainable, lasting livelihoods. FULLY FUNDED! Almost there 94% of 25,000 target With your help, we ve reached our target to support 50 girls with all their water and sanitation needs across 50 villages in Rajasthan. Previously trapped in a cycle of drudgery and ignorance having to fetch water all day, every day, your gift has freed these girls and given them a chance of a brighter smarter future. So on behalf of them all, a heartfelt thank you. Font of Knowledge In the harsh and unrelenting Thar Desert, many tribal communities are nomadic, walking for miles in search of water and food. This way of life is particularly hard on the elders who keep the wisdom of the community. That s why we have pledged to provide 300 monsoon water capture taankas, supporting 300 families with elderly relatives. Each taanka costs 350, but will benefit generations. Can you help us to fill the font of knowledge? Just 10 will buy 42 bricks towards building a taanka. Go to: www.wellsforindia.org/donate or send a cheque to the address listed on the back page. Thank you. Seeking Support Font of Knowledge Appeal WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 13

Super Spring Shopping Snap up some bargains for Spring at the Wells for India shop. Why not treat a friend to a beautifully designed card, and an authentic gift such as a trinket box or silk painting, handmade in India. All card designs were exclusively made and donated to Wells for India, and all profits go to support our work. For our complete range, go to: www.wellsforindia.org/shop Exclusive Greeting Cards Wells for India exclusively designed cards for any occasion, left blank for your own message. 3.50 for a pack of 8 (same design) Little Elephants Water Bearer Jaipur Kite Festival Dancing Peacock Miriam Tree of Life Rajasthani Elephant Bright Tiger 14 WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org

Professional Running Vests Get trim in style with our professional running vests, now at the bargain price of 10. Available in Unisex or Ladies shape, all sizes. NOW 10 Handmade Silk Paintings Brighten your home with an authentic painting on silk, ready for framing. View our extensive range of themes and sizes at www.wellsforindia.org/org. Green Budgies: 8 Gifts & Accessories Pick up something handmade and pretty from India. Green jewelled trinket box: 4 (available in other colours) Blue shoulder bag with elephant detailing: 10 (available in other colours) Red decorated purse: 10 (available in other colours) WAYS TO PAY Complete the order form on pages 17 & 18, and send it in to Wells for India Visit the Wells for India online shop at: www.wellsforindia.org/shop WaterWise The magazine from Wells For India www.wellsforindia.org 15

LEARN A LESSON... 5 A teaching pack provides the tools to teach a classroom of 25 children how good hygiene practice can save lives. Gifts that Give Back Giving a friend or loved one a Wishing Well Charity Gift is a lovely way to show you care, and will directly help people struggling with the impacts of water poverty in rural India. FILTER DIRTY WATER............ 10 Every minute, a child dies from a water-related disease. A simple filter makes life-saving water safer to drink. POT LUCK.......... 6 Women in rural India still carry traditional clay matka pots on their heads for up to 8 hours a day, fetching water. Metal matka pots are lighter, cleaner and stronger, and 10 pots will benefit a whole family. TREAT A TOILET... 9 Government grants are paying for more and more toilets to be built in rural India, but Wells for India ensures people know how to use and look after them. Training 30 toilet champions can change a whole community. GIFT OF THE GAB. 43 Help communities to multiply the impact of our work by securing support from local government schemes to improve access to water and sanitation. Your gift will enable us to coach village leaders for a whole year to know what to say and do. LADLE IT ON...... 12 Water is precious, so when you have it, you need to keep it clean, or risk spreading waterborne diseases. 200 metal ladles will provide for a whole community to hygienically share water, and will last a lifetime. PLEDGE A PLANT.. 32 Once a community has water, it can grow produce to make a living. Your gift will enable Wells for India to provide 100 fruit and fodder plants for villagers to sow and sell. 16 MEND A WELL.... 407 A large village well in rural India can often be the only source of free water for miles around but if it s not looked after, it can get contaminated. Your gift will allow Wells for India and the local community to fix a well to benefit all. FOOD FAIR....... 108 Even with produce to sell, it s difficult for communities to reach customers. With the help of your gift, Wells for India will host a food fair 4 times a year, creating a market for people to sell their produce and support their families. WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org C AT C H A N D KEEP RAIN....... 315 A roof rainwater harvesting system captures and stores precious monsoon rain from the roof of a family s house to provide life-saving drinking water. SEE OPPOSITE FOR HOW THE WISHING WELL WORKS, THEN PLACE YOUR ORDER IN THE FORM

Order Form GIFT CARDS One pack of 8 cards and envelopes: 3.50 (per design) Quantity Rajasthani Elephant Tree of Life Dancing Peacock Miriam Water Bearer Bright Tiger Little Elephants Jaipur Kite Festival Total Cost of Gift Cards ( ) RUNNING VEST 10 Tick or write quantity for each size Unisex Small Medium Large Extra Large Female Small Medium Large Extra Large Total Cost of Running Vest(s) ( ) HOW THE WISHING WELL WORKS 1. Choose a Wishing Well Charity Gift. 2. Complete the order form, write a cheque and send it to us, or Make a Bank Transfer. 3. We will send you a gift card for you to give to your friend or loved one. 4. They will be supporting Wells for India working on the chosen area of the gift. Learn a Lesson: 5 Pot Luck: 6 Treat a Toilet: 9 Filter Dirty Water: 10 Ladle it on: 12 Pledge a Plant: 32 Gift of the Gab: 43 Food Fair: 108 Catch and Keep Rain: 315 Mend a Well: 407 Total Cost of Charity Gift(s) ( ) Quantity GIFTS & ACCESSORIES Green trinket box: 4 Blue shoulder bag: 10 Red decorated purse: 10 Total cost of gifts & accessories ( ) Quantity For many other authentic Indian gifts, please visit our online shop: www.wellsforindia.org/shop COST SUMMARY SILK PAINTINGS Green Budgies 8 Total Cost of Silk Painting(s) ( ) DONATION Quantity When you make a donation, every drop counts. For every 1 donation: 74p Delivering programmes to support communities in India 24p Investing to generate future funds 2p Ensuring good governance Gift Cards ( ) Running Vest(s) ( ) Silk Painting(s) ( ) Accessories ( ) Wishing Well Charity Gift(s) ( ) Postage ( ) 3.50 Optional Donation ( ) Total ( ) Please make cheques payable to Wells for India and mark on the back: Merchandise WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 17

Placing Your Order PAY SECURELY ONLINE The easiest and quickest way to pay is to go to our online shop: www.wellsforindia.org/shop CONTACT DETAILS Name Address PAYING BY CHEQUE Complete this form, ensuring all relevant sections are filled in. Then enclose a cheque for the total amount and post it to Wells for India. Make cheques payable to Wells for India and mark on the back: Merchandise PAYING BY BANK TRANSFER Make your payment to HSBC Acc No: 71734407 Sort Code: 40 46 39 Then e-mail office@wellsforindia.org detailing: Your contact details Delivery address (if different to contact details) Your order Total amount paid Wells for India will confirm receipt of payment, then post your order. GIFT AID If you buy a Wishing Well Charity Gift or make a donation, Wells for India can claim an extra 25p for every 1 at no extra cost to you, on this and all future donations: I am a UK tax payer and I want Wells for India to reclaim tax on all donations I make. Postcode Telephone We will only contact you if there is a query with your order Email Tick if you do not want to be contacted with updates Delivery Address (if different from above) Name Address Postcode WHERE TO SEND THIS FORM Please send this completed form and cheque to: Wells for India Basepoint 1 Winnall Valley Road Winchester Hampshire SO23 0LD UK +44 (0)1962 832 692 office@wellsforindia.org LEAVE A LEGACY I would like to know about how to make a gift in my Will to Wells for India 18 Signature Date WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org Please contact me by Post Email Telephone Remember to complete the contact details above

Women for Women I was fortunate to have been born in a society in India (Meghalaya) where girls are cherished, unlike in the rest of patriarchal India. My parents always encouraged me, and as I look back on many years as a successful doctor, wife, and mother living in the UK, I realise how different my life could have been in a rural Rajasthani family. As a Trustee of Wells for India, I wanted to see the positive impact of our work in empowering women and share this with my daughter, Jen, a talented astrophysicist. So earlier this year, we visited some projects. In Sohanpura, Jaisalmer, we met Peppo Devi and her family who are proud owners of a taanka. Previously, she and her daughters would walk 10 15 kms a day to collect water. Of their average annual income of Rs 25,000 (less than 300), around a quarter would be spent on water. The family now saves Rs 1000 a month Peppo Devi has bought 20 goats, three cows and she is saving for a camel! Her two sons, but also her four daughters, now attend school. This one taanka has had a huge impact on the quality of all of their lives. At an all-women self help group in Jaisamand, we met women who d learnt to manage the family finances (something men had always done), taking charge of their lives and modelling excellent behavioural change. Seeing how different their lives were to Jen s and mine humbled and enthused me to do all that I can to ensure women like Peppo Devi not only have access to water but are also supported to live empowered lives too. Jen and I will cherish the memories of the women we met, and the endless cups of chai! BY MAUREEN GUPTA, TRUSTEE, WELLS FOR INDIA WaterWise The magazine from Wells for India www.wellsforindia.org 19

EVERY DROP COUNTS! WHERE YOUR 1 GOES STAY IN TOUCH 2p INVESTING T O G E N E R AT E FUTURE FUNDS 74p DELIVERING PROGAMMES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES IN INDIA ENSURING GOOD GOVERNANCE 24p Wells for India in the UK Basepoint 1 Winnall Valley Road Winchester SO23 0LD UK +44 (0)1962 832 692 office@wellsforindia.org Wells for India in India 1139 Hiran Magri Sector No 4 Udaipur 313002 Rajasthan India +91 294 2464182 wellsforindia@gmail.com www.wellsforindia.org FOLLOW US OUR AREAS OF WORK Building to capture and retain water Building to improve access to safer drinking water Building to improve sanitation Strengthening community governance Educating communities to make best use of scarce water and improve sanitation Empowering communities to develop ways to earn a living Enabling women to have a voice, a choice and a future Supporting communities in water emergencies www.facebook.com/ wellsforindia.online www.twitter.com/ wellsforindia www.instagram.com/ wellsforindia Printed on 100% recycled paper. Wells for India is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1127564), and a non-profit making company limited by guarantee registered in England (No. 6484901). The Wells for India logo is a registered trademark.