Community & Social Impact - The speaker emphasizes the importance of community involvement and taking action to address local issues, rather than just complaining about the lack of action from others [52] - The initiative to restore the lake in பேராவூர்ணி (Peravurni) began with a small association fund of ₹1,000, highlighting the power of collective effort, despite initial skepticism [27][28] - The community rallied together to support the lake restoration project, with contributions ranging from cricket tournament winnings to savings from a 100-day work program, and even a newly married couple donating their treat money [30][31][32] - The speaker was deeply moved when an elderly farmer, who had been forced to cultivate land in other districts due to water scarcity, presented him with the first harvest as a symbol of gratitude, acknowledging him as a "சாமி" (god) [48][49][50][51] Water Management & Agriculture - The speaker highlights the issue of water wastage in the காவேரி (Cauvery) delta region, with 110 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water being wasted in the speaker's region during 2016-2017, enough to supply Chennai for 20 years [21][22] - The restoration of a 564-acre lake in பேராவூர்ணி (Peravurni) led to a significant rise in the water level (50 feet), revival of failed borewells, and a resurgence in farming activities [25][38] - The cost of restoring the lake was ₹27 lakhs, significantly lower than the government's estimated budget of ₹4 crore, showcasing the efficiency of community-led initiatives [39] - In Ramanathapuram, where people used to walk 8-10 kilometers daily for water, the lake restoration projects saved women 8 hours of travel time, enabled children to attend school, and brought people back to farming [56][57][58][59] Disaster Relief & Resilience - The speaker initiated a Facebook group called "கஜா புயல் மீட்பு குழு" (Gaja Cyclone Relief Team) to provide assistance during the கஜா (Gaja) cyclone, despite facing ridicule and skepticism from the community [9][10] - The speaker extended his vacation and stayed back to help with disaster relief efforts after the கஜா (Gaja) cyclone, recognizing the potential for significant impact [8] - The speaker and his team initially focused on providing emergency relief, clearing roads, and distributing groceries after the கஜா (Gaja) cyclone [15]