In India, almost 800 million people don’t have clean water to drink. When I visited India in December of 2006, I was exposed to the poverty of rural villages. In one of the villages, Paras, I saw the villagers did not have easy access to water. They had to walk a few kilometers daily to reach the nearest well. I was astounded. I realized that the basic amenities that we take for granted in the U.S. are considered luxuries in India. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to live in such a village. There was such a stark difference. I realized that we could change this. We could make a difference. We could bring water to the villagers.

When I returned to the U.S., I described the situation to my close friend and classmate, Kevin Petrovic. He was very moved and persuaded to assist in providing a solution. We realized that the best way we could help, as middle-school students, was by building tube-wells in rural areas in India. A tube-well typically costs about $900.

To raise enough money for our first well, we held bake sales and car washes. We went from house to house to get donations. We held walk-a-thons & other sports tournaments. We have also started the Drinking Water for India Club at our school to promote youth involvement in our charity. We feel that this will lead to an improved sense of self-awareness and sense of global responsibility. We are also starting chapters of our club at other local area schools.

Others can help by donating to our website, drinkingwaterforindia.org, or by starting their own clubs at their schools. Also, others could fundraise for Drinking Water for India. Every dollar makes a difference. Thanks a lot!