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Witnessing the degradation of these Vav,’ involving children from our out to clean and restore Ramkund
water bodies and in our effort to school, renowned artists, and Vav with the help of our school
preserve our cultural heritage, we dancers from Vadodara. The show and the local Nagarpalika. It was a
made it our mission to revive these depicted the history of Kutch, the challenging task, but with everyone’s
ancient sites and reintegrate them significance of water bodies, and the dedication and hard work, we
into our community. We aimed to importance of water conservation. managed to bring back the grandeur
undertake a special initiative that It was choreographed by the of this ancient stepwell. As we
would not only restore the historical renowned artist Ms. Kakoli Sen. worked on the restoration, we also
significance of these locations but However, obtaining the necessary took the opportunity to educate our
also raise awareness among the permissions for such an event children and the community about
younger generation about rainwater was no easy task. Determination the historical significance of these
harvesting, heritage preservation, and passion paid off, and finally, water bodies and the importance of
and water conservation. permission was granted after several water conservation.
months.
We organized a musical light and Our initiative was far-reaching. The
sound show, ‘Soul of the Ramkund The real work began as we set citizens of Bhuj were inspired to
take an active role in caring for the and pride in our heritage Today, Ramkund Vav and Hamirsar
ancient water bodies, ensuring their among the people of Bhuj. Our lake stand as a symbol of hope and a
continued preservation. One heart- students continue educating the testament to the power of collective
warming outcome was an author neighbourhood and the community action and love for our heritage.
who was moved by our efforts and about the environment.
decided to write a book about the
ancient stepwells of Kutch, further
highlighting their historical and Rani Saheb Aarti Kumari Jadeja, the Founder
cultural significance. Principal and Director of Little Steps Montessori
School, belongs to the esteemed Tera-Kutch royal
Moreover, our focus on recharging family. She is a pioneering figure in innovative
stepwells in the region has education and social work, with commendable
sparked a movement towards contributions and ongoing efforts in the realms
sustainable water management and of education, women’s rights, and environmental
conservation in Kutch. The event conservation. Her school stands as a prototype
awakened a sense of responsibility aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
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