Inayado is living with dignity and respect
In the Thar desert of north-west India older people are leading their communities in the fight against the effects of the climate crisis by using traditional rainwater harvesting techniques.
“When we didn’t have a tank, we’d have to go to the ponds and lakes...
Now it’s much easier ever since the tanks have been constructed, we can store four months’ worth of water at a time.”
“My name is Inayado. I’m 70 years old, and I live in a small village in the Thar desert, north-west India. Life here is not easy. The heat is stronger than it used to be, and it doesn’t rain like before. Back in the day, it would pour for three months straight. Valleys and drains would overflow. We don’t see that anymore.”
The long walk for water
“Before the taanka (water tank) was built, we had to go to ponds and lakes but the local pond would dry up in the winter. If that happened, we’d have make a 16-kilometre trip to go elsewhere for water. Sometimes, I’d leave in the evening and only return with water late at night.
It was tiring. During the day, we had to work and then at night, we couldn’t sleep. That’s how we lived.”
The taanka changes everything
“Then the taanka was built.
The tanks can store four months’ worth of water and fill up with the rain. It’s been a great thing. I’m at ease because of this.
The taanka even helps during flash floods—it stays strong, and the water stays clean. We used to worry about water every single day. Not anymore.”
Inayado using her taanka in her village.
Older people are leading their communities
“In our community, it’s us, the older women, who fill and maintain the taanka. I enjoy the responsibility. I feel good when I take care of it. Since the taanka was constructed, I’ve gained respect. People in the community see what we’ve done, and it means something. Even my daughters-in-law tell me: “Because of you, we’re at ease too.” That makes me proud.”
Dignity in older age
“Today feels better than yesterday. I’m still here, still doing my part. I’ve worked hard and it shows it’s possible to live with dignity in old age, even in the desert.
I’m content and at peace now, all thanks to this development.”
As we age, it can feel that we are leading life with less respect and dignity from our family and community. The Grandparents United community helps to fund projects like Inayado’s, that give older people the opportunity to step up and lead their communities, and in turn,enabling them to gain the respect they deserve.