'I studied the land': Goa man Balakrishna Aiya dug through rock to bring water to his village
It is a story as much of determination as ingenuity.
Maddi-Tolop means 'rocky area' in Konkani. Water represented a constant anxiety for its residents, but experts had long written off the area due to its treacherous terrain: a rocky upper crust, followed by clay, and then solid black stone beneath. The geological challenges were formidable, but Aiya saw possibility where others saw only stone.
'I studied the land,' he recalls.
'Then I had an idea nobody had tried before.' His innovation was practical yet revolutionary. The trick, he figured, lay in being able to dig deep for water. But that was an enterprise that involved the considerable risk of getting trapped beneath boulders if the shaft caved in.
So, Aiya designed an unprecedented safety feature: a stairway from the ground level down to the clay level, creating an escape route for workers who could then dig deeper, secure in the knowledge that they had a way out if the earth became unstable.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không?
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
But he wasn't just content with solving his own water issues. He laid pipelines to connect his water source to 25 other households in Maddi-Tolop .
Those who know Aiya say that's typical of the man who is an inno- vator, artist and an unlikely hero in equal parts. If locals are effusive in their praise, Aiya has also been recognised for his work with awards from the Goa State Biodiversity Board. He's also a recipient of the Kala Gaurav Puraskar.
A restless creator, he crafts everything from Ganesh idols to brooms. In fact, adapting to the situation is Aiya's forte. In his younger years, when he discovered schools were hiring art teachers, he pursued an elementary drawing teachers' course and went on to teach at a local school for 17 years. That's how idol-making happened — as a means of supplementing his income after he'd taken voluntary retirement from school.
He also doubles as a pandit to find additional ways to support his family. As for brooms, he actually devised a tool for making the latter.
Catch him at work making brooms and you will notice a peculiarly shaped knife. 'This is my own design. It trims the ribs at exactly the right angle.' Using the instrument, within minutes he transforms what looks like an ordinary bundle of dried palm fronds into what locals insist is the finest broom in Canacona.
The secret lies in a special binding technique and custom grip that Aiya perfected after years of experimentation.
His brooms sell for Rs 250-300 each. Producing between two and six brooms daily, Aiya has turned a common tool into an art form. Now, he is keen to pass on his craftsmanship to the younger generation. 'What good is knowledge if it dies with you?' he says to articulate his philosophy. 'What good is innovation if it doesn't help your neighbour?'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hyderabad faces rising electrocution risk due to dangling electric wires
1 2 3 4 Hyderabad: The city is facing a serious threat of electrocution as thousands of wires continue to hang loosely from electric poles across the city. With poles installed every 30 to 40 meters, the extent of the problem is evident and alarming. Over the past few months, this hazard has already claimed at least 15 lives, including one on Independence Day and another during the Krishna Janmashtami procession. Even those lying on footpaths have become victims to poor cables. In June, two footpath dwellers died due to electrocution at LB Nagar after a high tension wire snapped and fell on them. On Aug 15, an electrician died of electrocution while making preparations for Independence Day at a private hotel in Jeedimetla. In a similar incident a month ago, a 32-year-old private worker from Kukatpally was electrocuted while trying to tie a flexi for a festival to be organised at a local temple. The victim, climbed an arch to tie the flexi when he came in contact with an overhead high-tension wire and was electrocuted on spot. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad The danger extends beyond Hyderabad, with NCRB records confirming at least two electrocution-related deaths in the state per day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo During 2020-2022, more than 2,200 people died due to electrocution across the state. In 2020 alone, over 800 lost their lives to electrocution. Although TGSPDCL claims to have cleared high-tension (HT) cables, low-tension (LT) wires still dangle precariously along residential streets, putting citizens at constant risk. "We have cleared dangling wires on all main corridors. However, in the colonies, we are struggling to clear them due to backlash from local vendors and players. In fact, our electric poles are being used for all kinds of cables, compromising the safety of our LT lines," said an official from TGSPDCL. 'Unused cable caused accident' Meanwhile, officials at TGSPDCL said that the Ramanthapur accident, which claimed five lives, occurred when an unused cable, strung between two buildings, fell onto an 11 KV overhead line. The impact caused the live current to pass through the copper wiring of the fallen cable, which in turn came into contact with an iron-framed chariot, leading to the incident. They further clarified that the electricity department had no role in negligence, as the 11 KV line at the spot stands at a height of more than 20 feet, and an aerial bundled cable was already installed earlier in place of the LT overhead line. The main cause, they noted, was the private cable improperly connected between buildings. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cooperative societies to get caste, gender reservation for top posts
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces caste and gender-based reservation for both elected and nominated roles in cooperative societies, was passed in the assembly Monday. The bill provides for chairman and vice-chairman posts to be reserved on a rotation basis for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women members — a system modelled on panchayat institutions. The amendment also extends reservation to members nominated to the board, earmarking positions for SC, ST, and general merit categories, with one of these compulsorily reserved for women. Crucially, nominated members will have voting rights and can contest elections for the board, chairman, and vice-chairman posts. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru The bill makes it mandatory for all primary members to declare assets and liabilities annually and attend general body meetings regularly, failing which they face disqualification. The bill was passed by both Houses last year, but governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot sent it back with suggestions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo It was then referred to a House committee headed by former cooperative minister Laxman Savadi. The govt reintroduced the bill last week after incorporating changes. HK Patil , law and parliamentary affairs minister, who piloted the bill, said: "This bill seeks to revolutionise the cooperative sector, as it provides social justice by ensuring representation for underprivileged classes. It is the need of the hour, considering the social-political situation in the state." But several senior members raised objections. Former ministers GT Devegowda and Savadi opposed provisions that made asset declaration mandatory, voting powers for nominated members, and the roster system for top posts. They argued the measures amounted to govt interference in functioning of autonomous cooperative bodies. But Patil said the amendments were essential for social justice. Meanwhile, the assembly also passed The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, which makes engagement of minors a punishable offence. The Act already spells out legal action for those involved in child marriages. Under the amendment, individuals found guilty of arranging or facilitating engagement of minors will face up to two years in jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalakar, who piloted the bill, said child marriages are rampant and 1,828 complaints were registered in 2024-25. "Of this, 1,460 weddings were prevented, while 3,640 were solemnised. FIR was registered in 329 cases. The amendment envisages to eradicate the social scourge," said Hebbalkar. The Assembly also approved The Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, that seeks to provide social, economic and health welfare schemes for former Devadasis. Among other Bills passed in the House was The Karnataka Fire Service (Amendment),Bill, seeking to impose 1% fire safety cess on all highrises . Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, August 19, 2025: A rare opportunity knocks – will you answer?
Today's energy asks you to listen to your intuition carefully. Your inner voice holds the answers you seek. Avoid ignoring signs or forcing situations. Trust the guidance coming from within, as it will lead you to the right decisions. People may try to influence you, but stay true to what feels correct. Spend some time in silence to hear your thoughts clearly. When you trust your intuition, confusion fades and confidence rise, helping you move gracefully through the day. Cancer Love Horoscope Today In love, trusting your intuition will guide you to harmony. If in a relationship, listen to your inner feelings before reacting during disagreements. Honest conversations based on inner clarity will strengthen bonds. For singles, intuition helps you recognise genuine connections from superficial ones. Avoid rushing; let your heart guide the pace. Today, love flourishes when you follow emotional instincts. Your inner voice will protect you from misunderstandings and lead you toward relationships filled with trust and warmth. Cancer Career Horoscope Today Career success today comes when you trust your instincts about work decisions. If faced with choices, go with the option that feels right rather than just what looks safe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Your intuition may reveal opportunities that others miss. Avoid doubting yourself or overanalysing situations. Colleagues and seniors may respect your ability to handle tasks calmly. This is also a good day to reflect on long-term goals. Trusting your inner guidance will help you take steps that bring progress and recognition. Cancer Money Horoscope Today Financial matters today need careful listening to your inner wisdom. Avoid following risky advice blindly. If an investment or expense does not feel right, wait until, you are sure. Your instincts will help you avoid losses and make better choices. Saving should be a priority, but do not fear spending on things that truly add value. Stay calm while managing money. Trust that your inner guidance will help you create financial stability and attract opportunities for future growth. Cancer Health Horoscope Today Health improves when you pay attention to inner signals. If your body feels tired, take rest instead of ignoring it. Intuition may guide you to try new wellness practices that suit your needs. Avoid unhealthy habits that your heart warns against. Gentle exercises, fresh food, and meditation will help restore balance. Spend time alone to recharge your mind. Trusting your body and mind's signals today will lead to better health, making you feel strong, peaceful, and aligned. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
