Apo Vai Amrtam

Water as Elixir

Following the success of Eternal Civilization, this was the second flagship film created under Prachyam for the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India—this time for a G20 delegation meeting held in western India.

Titled Aapo Vai Amritam—“Water is Elixir”—the film explored ancient Bharatiya practices of water harvesting, irrigation, and conservation, especially in dry, arid zones that still flourish because of this civilizational wisdom.

The Journey: Across Civilizations and Landscapes

I led the creative vision and production across every stage—from scripting and research to field execution, editing, and final delivery.

We travelled across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, filming at ASI-protected heritage sites, age-old stepwells, reservoirs, and traditional tanks, and with indigenous communities like the Bhils, who still practice sustainable water techniques passed down for generations.

Two renowned scholars—Prof. Michel Danino (noted for his work on the Saraswati River) and Prof. Ramnath Jha—featured as key voices in the film, offering critical academic insight. Praveen Chaturvedi served as both the voice-over artist and on-screen anchor.

Reception & Relevance

Aapo Vahi Amritam was screened at the G20 Summit, receiving positive responses from international delegates. It positioned India not just as a land of ancient rituals, but as a source of intelligent, sustainable practices that can directly inform modern policy on water management and climate resilience.

The film stands as a visual and intellectual testament to the idea that our ancestors had already solved many of the problems we face today—if only we choose to remember.