Story of Alka Mathur

Alka Mathur, Principal Govt Upper Primary School, Arniya tells us that safe drinking water has always been a problem in this remote village in the Kota district of Rajasthan. TDS levels of water are very high ranging to more than 1000 ppm which slows the digestion process. Also, Rajasthan has high fluoride content in water which may cause weak bones and mottled enamel. She adds that temperatures in summer soar to 48 degrees which increases drinking water consumption but children carry only one water bottle from their home as they travel from far distances. Children usually skip school during summer. Alka madam was more than grateful when Samarpan installed a water purifier in her school ensuring clean drinking water to 113 children. We feel blessed when she says, “It’s the biggest human Dharma to provide drinking water to a fellow human”. She says this will ensure that no child suffers from illness due to digestive problems, bone or teeth problems, or dehydration during the summer months. The long-term impact would be reduced absenteeism from the schools. This small step would go a long way in ensuring good health and as well as increased retention of the children in schools translating into positive learning outcomes.