Govindam Lake
(A Tale of Two Villages)
By Vaman Acharya
As the sunset over Govindam lake, its water whispered secrets of mystic tales and legends. One side of the lake is Namamipuram and the other side is Bhajamipuram.
Pravin and Pranati, a newly married couple recollecting their unforgettable experiences of two years ago.
About one hundred years before, a scholar Paramananda in Namamipuram wrote a book on ‘Govindam Lake and Its Mystical Powers’. The rare book was traced out in the grocery shop of Narayana shetty. Probably, somebody while selling an old newspaper might have mixed it up. The subject of the book was Greek and Latin for Shetty. He gave it to Pravin, a young educated man of Namamipuram and the great grandson of the book's author Parmananda. Pravin was astonished to read the book. Though he opposed the views on the mystical Govindam lake with magical powers. He thought let all the villagers know what is mystical lake and express their opinion without fear or pressure.
Pravin met Mahabala, a village head of both the villages and lawyer by profession. He gave the book to Mahabala. On seeing the book Mahabala told Pravin that he would give his opinion only after going through the book.
One week has passed.
As told by Mahabala, Pravin met him in the evening.
“Pravin, your great grandfather's book has been a guiding light for our villages. But the people of Bhajamipuram don't seem to understand its significance.”
“I know Mahabal sir. I’ve been thinking a lot about this. Maybe it’s time for us to find a way to share the lake’s resources while respecting its mystical properties,”said Pravin. Mahabala was impressed by his vision to hear his deep knowledge and concern for the villagers and he promised to extend full support for the betterment of the villagers. His daughter Pranati, an educationist in Australia, arrived in Bhajamipur a couple of days before. She too was impressed by Pravin and expressed her desire to work with him.
“Hi, I’m Pravin. I’ve heard a lot about your work on new concepts in the educational system of Australia.”
Pranati was smiling.
“Nice to meet you, Pravin. Yes, I am trying to find ways to balance progress. What brings you here?”
“Madam, the Govindam lake issue is an interesting topic today. I think we need to find a solution that works for both our villages.”
“Yes, Pravin. I am eager to work with you.”
All the three decided to call a meeting of all the villagers of two villages on coming Sunday in the afternoon at an ancient Govindaraja temple situated on the shore of the lake.
The meeting was held as scheduled in the Govindaraj temple. This temple stands majestically on the shore of Govindam lake. Its ancient red stones reflect the serene beauty of the surrounding nature. There was a good presence of the villagers. In the beginning, Pravin explained about the author’s views on Govindam mystical lake. He as an individual believed that the lake water could be used for the greater good of the community and should not be abandoned out of fear. He called for everybody’s views without any bias. Majority of the Namamipuram villagers believed that using the water would trigger a catastrophe. But the villagers of Bhajamipur opposed this and said in one voice that the lake water is a valuable resource that should not go to waste and use their rightful share. Pranati also spoke in support of the views of Bhajamipuram villagers quoting the real instances. In the end, Mahabala, who chaired the meeting, delivered a wonderful speech stressing the need for progress and development of the villages not at the cost of religious feelings. The hour long meeting was concluded with a vote of thanks by Narayana Shetty.
The dispute between the two villages remained unresolved. Villagers of Namamipuram accepting Govindam, a mystical lake and not sharing of water equally till the settlement of dispute either in court or out of court. Bhajamipuram villagers bent upon using their share of lake water come what may. The case went to the court by both parties.The Govindam lake case had been ongoing causing tension between the two villages.
Pravin and Pranati together devised a plan to educate the villagers of Namamipuram about the importance of utilising the Lake water, despite facing opposition and skepticism, they persisted in their efforts, going door to door in Namamipuram.
Pravin and Pranita’s hard work for more than one year without rest paid off, and the villagers of Namamipuram eventually came to see the potential of Govindam lake. The temporary abandonment of the lake was now bustling with activity, providing water for crops, livestock, and even recreational activities for the villagers. The dispute between the two villages settled amicably out of court. The entire credit goes to Pravin and Pranati. Mahabala also contributed to the settlement of the dispute.
However, their success did not come without its challenges. Shubham, a native of Bhajamipuram settled in Australia as a successful businessman, who had fallen in love with Pranati arrived. He was unhappy to see her growing friendship with Pravin. His jealousy only fueled his determination to sabotage their noble efforts of removing mystical Govindam lake in their mind. Pranati and Pravin stood strong against his attempts to undermine their cause. Shubham even met villagers of Namamipuram to brainwash their minds to stick up the idea of Govindam as a mystical lake. At this stage, Mahabala interfered and warned Shubham to get out of Bhajamipuram respectfully or face the severe consequences. Both Villagers supported Mahabala. One fine morning, Shubham was physically shunted out of the village.
In the end the tale of Govindam lake served as a reminder that unity and understanding could conquer even the most deep rooted beliefs. With Pravin and Pranita’s determination, the two Villages of Namamipuram and Bhajamipuram came together to build a better future for themselves. They shared the lake water, forging to be that would last for generations to come.
The love blossomed between Pravin and Pranati through many days of companionship and tied the knot with the blessings of Mahabala and villagers.
Hearing the sound of the conch shell and the ringing bell, couples entered the Govindaraj temple for evening aarti.
