Karwar: A boatman who has faded into oblivion after rendering four decades of dedicated and selfless service to the villagers in Dongri area of Ankola taluk is truly a living legend. Serving people of 6-7 nearby villages without seeking anything in return, Kehava Naik only knew to ferry people on his boat and help them cross over River Gangavali from dawn to dusk.
The government building a hanging bridge across the river Gangavali has caused his nemesis but most content and humble boatman Keshav Naik has little to complain, though it has rendered him jobless.
Dongri and surrounding villages are at a distance of around of 3-4 kms from the National Highway and people had to travel 23 kms by road to reach the highway. In those testing times, boatman Keshav Naik took up the mantle upon himself and started helping people crossover Gangavali River with ease at all times.
Affected people in the area were demanding a bridge across the river for a long time and the Coastal Development Authority finally constructed a hanging bridge across river Gangavali costing Rs 1.65 Crore. The construction of the new bridge spelt doom for the lone warrior touching the banks of the river at regular intervals carrying people in his boat. The local Gram Panchayath used to give him a monthly honorarium of Rs 200 but Keshav Naik had little to complain as many boat users relying on his efficient and selfless service used to offer some money for his daily living. The boat cruise service for the needy, students and patients was offered free of cost, says proud Keshav Naik.
Keshava Naik who started sailing across the river as a 25-year-old is the most content man reflecting on his 4-decade service. Most bikers used to utilise Keshav Naik’s ferry on daily basis. “There were many occasions when I faced dangers while ferrying people and the turbulence in the river currents threatened our lives”, says Keshav Naik, recalling the hard times he faced during the months of monsoon. “I served people to the best of my ability and never shied away from ferrying a patient needing emergency medical assistance across the river during dark hours of the night whenever I received a distress call”, says Kehav Naik, now 65-year-old.
When asked about the development (new hanging bridge) “imposing premature retirement” on his four decade long career, Keshav Naik turned emotional and said, “Age is not in my favour anymore and I’m happy because people are benefiting from the new bridge.”
newskarnataka.com offers Kudos to the Living Legend ”Keshav Naik”, the boatman, who will remain in the memory of people for his selfless and dedicated service, when his boat sways in silence on the banks of River Gangavali.
