Radheshyam Gomla, the former Sarpanch of Gomla—a small village in Mahendragarh district—is recognized not merely as a public representative but as a true ‘Water Warrior.’
He has been honored with the ‘Presidential Award’ for his historic contributions to water conservation during his tenure as Sarpanch. However, the scope of his social service extended far beyond his own village or state; he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to conserving every drop of water in the drought-stricken regions of Maharashtra.
From June 2015 to 2017, Radheshyam Gomla spearheaded a landmark water conservation campaign in collaboration with the ‘NAAM Foundation,’ an organization founded by the renowned actor and social activist Nana Patekar. Together, they undertook the desilting and rejuvenation of old, dried-up riverbeds in the severely drought-hit areas of Aurangabad and its vicinity, breathing new life into rivers that had all but died. Transforming the destiny of two villages; setting an example.
Under this campaign, Nana Patekar and Radheshyam Gomla adopted two villages in Maharashtra: Dhondhal and Gogal. It was due to Radheshyam Gomla’s passion and efficiency that the face of Dhondhal village was completely transformed within just two months. With the support of the ‘NAAM Foundation’ and excellent management, the entire village—home to a population of 1,200—was revitalized at a cost of merely ₹4.25 lakh.
The water conservation model implemented in the village proved so remarkable and exemplary that it attracted visitors ranging from administrative officials to members of the judiciary, all coming to Dhondhal to witness and understand the initiative. “I have never met a better human being than Nana Patekar”
Recalling his experiences of working shoulder-to-shoulder with Nana Patekar, Radheshyam Gomla says he has never encountered a person as simple and dedicated as Nana Patekar in his life. He possessed not an iota of arrogance and remained devoted to serving people day and night with boundless energy and sincerity.
The partnership between Radheshyam Gomla and Nana Patekar stands as living proof that if one possesses a selfless spirit, unwavering passion, and the right direction, even dried-up rivers can be revived and thousands of lives transformed for the better—all with limited resources. Transforming the destiny of two villages: setting an example
Under this initiative, Nana Patekar and Radheshyam Gomla adopted two villages in Maharashtra—Dhondhal and Gogal. It was the result of Radheshyam Gomla’s passion and efficiency that the face of Dhondhal village was completely transformed within just two months.
