In Dahiwadi, a drought-prone village in Maharashtra’s Satara district, water is life. For generations, villagers depended on tanker trucks to survive the harsh summers. Amid these struggles, a man who once couldn’t walk freely due to polio has emerged as a symbol of resilience and hope: Abhay Todkar, 44, who turned his personal challenges into a mission that transformed lives across 64 villages. Polio may have weakened his body, but it couldn’t touch his spirit.  Growing up in rural India, where physical strength often defines one’s worth, Abhay faced constant judgement. But instead of giving up, he nurtured a fierce belief that his limitations would never decide his destiny.

A Young Man Searching for Purpose

Abhay’s early life was marked by trial and transformation. His father set up an STD booth to help him earn a living, but the business barely survived. Determined to find his purpose, Abhay tried his hand at teaching after completing a diploma in education. Unfortunately, a sudden court ruling froze teacher appointments, ending his dream before it began. He then began travelling from village to village, selling goods to local shopkeepers. His hard work paid off when, through a lucky draw, he was selected to run an LPG agency with Hindustan Petroleum. For the first time, life seemed stable. But success brought new challenges: business stress, conflicts, and an overwhelming focus on profit. 

The Turning Point: Finding Inner Calm

In 2012, Abhay joined the Art of Living’s program, and it completely changed his perspective. The breathing and meditation practices helped him regain peace, focus, and emotional balance. “It gave me clarity,” he says. “I realized that true success lies in helping others.” This realization marked a turning point; Abhay redirected his energy toward social work and rural development. He began with small initiatives like cleanliness drives in Dahiwadi. The more he served, the more he felt fulfilled. 

A Vision to Quench Thirst

Having grown up amid recurring droughts, Abhay knew the daily pain of water shortage. Villagers spent thousands each month on water tankers, and farming had become nearly impossible.  In 2015, Abhay decided to build a people-made dam on the Manganga River in Dahiwadi. The project brought together hundreds of villagers, each contributing labour, time, and faith. The dam changed everything; for the first time in decades, Dahiwadi had a steady water supply. Tankers disappeared, wells refilled, and farms flourished. The success of Dahiwadi became a movement. Between 2018 and 2024, Abhay and his team, with support from the Art of Living Foundation and the Paani Foundation founded by Aamir Khan, expanded their mission to 64 villages across Satara district. They built check dams, promoted organic farming, and planted over 1.27 lakh trees to improve groundwater recharge. Abhay also introduced “water budgeting competitions” between youth and elders to teach sustainable water use. 

Changing Minds, One Village at a Time

Not every village welcomed him with open arms. When Abhay approached Pingali-Kd, just five kilometres away, only a few people were willing to listen. But instead of giving up, he led by example, inviting villagers to Dahiwadi to witness the transformation firsthand. He also involved children with disabilities in awareness rallies, showing that everyone, regardless of ability, could contribute. The move touched hearts. Soon, villagers began joining the initiative, raising funds, and participating in dam construction. Today, 64 villages across the region have water security because one man refused to let his physical condition define his future. For Abhay, every drop saved is a symbol of human strength. His work has turned barren land into fertile fields, despair into determination, and scarcity into sustainability.

A Legacy of Purpose

From a boy fighting polio to a leader shaping water-secure communities, Abhay Todkar’s journey is more than a success story.  It’s a reminder that real change begins with belief. His life proves that the greatest heroes are often those who rise quietly, using their struggles as strength to uplift others. In every drop of water that flows through the canals of Satara, there’s a reflection of Abhay’s spirit—unstoppable, humble, and deeply human