Growing up in Mehkar, the Painganga River was much more than a river for us. It was our playground, our swimming pool, and the place where some of our best childhood memories were created.
Before the Pentakli Dam was completed around 2003, the Painganga River flowed with plenty of water throughout the 12 months. During heavy rains, the river would swell so much that water often overflowed the bridge. For us children, it was an exciting sight.
During my childhood, I had many groups of friends. Some were older than me, and some were younger. I had friends for cricket, swimming, lane games (like Vitti Dandu, Kacchi Gotya, Chor Police, and Tag,) school and tuition friends, study friends, and even a group of naughty friends who would stand up to people who tried to bully or dominate us.
Every group was special in its own way, and I was happy to be part of all of them. Each group gave me different experiences.
My friends and I were passionate swimmers. We often skipped school and rushed to the river or riverside full overflow well to spend hours in the water without intimating at home :) .
Jumping from the British constructed bridge into the river gave us a thrill that is hard to describe. We played countless games in the water, including tag means control your breathe under water and sim farway from one who caught and ball games.
One of our favourite game was throwing a ball into the water. The person who caught it had to find and tag the player who threw it. Simple games, but they gave us endless joy.
But the other part came when I returned home. we all lived as joint family My parents(specially my auntie) immediately knew that I had skipped school and gone swimming in the river. They would just look at me and smile. I always wondered how they could tell so quickly.
Later, I realized why. My hair would still be wet, and all the hair oil would be washed away. my skin would become pale and dry after spending hours in the water. No matter how hard I tried to hide it, the Painganga River always gave away my secret. Parents somehow know everything, even when we think we have fooled them! ๐
The river water was crystal clear in winter days for some areas that we exlplorerd. On bright sunny days, the blue sky reflected on the water, making it look even more beautiful. Those moments are still fresh in my memory.
Over time, things changed. After the construction of the dam, much of the river water was diverted. Gradually, the Painganga River near Mehkar lost its strength and beauty. Today, only a small amount of water flows through the river except monsoon season. The lively river of our childhood has almost vanished.
Among all my memories of the river, one incident remains unforgettable.
One day, around nine or ten of us were swimming together all are my neighbour(Sagar, Kailash, Sam, Pintu, Amol, Manoj, Atul). As usual, we decided to swim from one side of the river to the other.
After swimming for some time, I became tired and stopped to catch my breath. I tried to place my feet on the riverbed to rest, but I unknowingly reached a deep hole in the river.Digging out sand deepens and widens the river channel, which ruins the natural flow of water and overnight unknown holes to river are threat to swimmers.
Suddenly, I lost support and began sinking. Panic took over. I struggled to breathe, and water started entering through my nose and mouth. For a few terrifying moments, I felt completely helpless. I honestly thought it might be my last day.
Fortunately, one of my friends noticed that something was wrong. He was standing nearby and immediately came to help. Without wasting a second, he grabbed me and pulled me to safety.
That friend saved my life that day.
Even now, whenever I visit my hometown, I make it a point to meet him. Every time I thank him in mind, I am reminded of how precious friendship and life truly are.
The river may have changed beause of dam, but the memories, friendships, and lessons it gave us will stay with me forever. ❤️
