Watchman of the Lake is an Amazing story written by famous Indian author, R.K Narayan. The story was originally published in 1956 in author’s famous collection, “Malgudi Days”.
Watchman of the Lake Summary By R.K Narayan
Summary of Watchman of the Lake By R.K Narayan
R.K. Narayan is counted among those great writers of Indian literature who presented the events of ordinary life in an extraordinary way. His work “Watchman of the Lake” (Jheel Ka Pehredaar) is not just a play, but a mirror of life. In this, the depth of human duty, responsibility, sacrifice and honesty has been shown very poignantly.
This play makes us realize that the importance of a work does not depend on whether that work is big or small, but on how diligently, loyally and devotedly we perform it.
Introduction – Environment of the story
The background of the play is based on a small village and the lake built near it. This lake is the lifeline of the villagers. Farming, animal husbandry, drinking water, and the existence of the village – everything depends on this lake. That is why the villagers do not consider the lake as just a means, but worship it like a life giver.
The responsibility of protecting and looking after the lake has been entrusted to a villager named Bhuma. Bhuma is ordinary, but his mind is filled with extraordinary qualities. He knows that the lake is not just a reservoir of water, but the lifeline of hundreds of families. That is why he devotes his entire life to guarding the lake.
Bhuma – An ordinary man, extraordinary thinking
Bhuma is a resident of the village. He is not rich, nor does he hold a high position, but he has such a sense of honesty and devotion to duty that makes him different from everyone else.
For him, guarding is not just a means of livelihood, but service to society and humanity. He understands that if he is careless, the whole village can be in trouble. That is why he fulfills his responsibility in every situation – be it day or night, hot or cold, rain or storm.
This devotion of Bhuma earns him respect in the hearts of the villagers. He also teaches his son that responsibility does not mean only following orders, but doing true service to the society.
Sequence of the play – Guarding the lake and challenges
Being the guard of the lake is not an easy job. Every season brings new challenges.
Rainy days – When there is heavy rainfall, the lake water surges and the danger of the dam breaking increases. At that time, Bhuma checks the strength of the dam day and night.
Summer days – When the water level decreases, the villagers start worrying about thirst and farming. Then Bhuma has to ensure that the water is used properly and is not wasted.
Sudden disasters – Sometimes it rains so heavily that the dam breaking is almost certain. At such times, Bhuma and his son try to save the village by putting their lives at stake.
Bhuma’s son – the second generation of responsibility
Bhuma has also taught the same thinking to his son that the real purpose of life is not only one’s own happiness, but the welfare of the society. The son also protects the lake along with his father.
This scene is very emotional, because here we get the message that the tradition of duty and sacrifice should be carried forward from generation to generation. If one generation sacrifices for the society and the next generation also adopts the same thinking, only then the society can remain safe.
Climax – Danger of Dam Breaking
The most tense and emotional moment of the play comes when the dam of the lake is in a state of breaking. The water level rises due to continuous heavy rains. The people of the village become afraid that if the dam breaks, everything will be washed away.
The entire responsibility of the village falls on Bhuma. He knows that this task is extremely difficult, but retreating is not an option. He, along with his son, tries to save the dam.
At this time, Bhuma has two options in front of him –
One, to save his life and run away to a safe place with his family.
Second, to protect the dam and save the entire village without caring about his life.
Bhuma chooses the second path. This shows his extraordinary loyalty and sacrifice.
Bhuma’s Sacrifice – An Example of Humanity
Bhuma and his son risk their lives while protecting the dam. Their sacrifice saves the lives of hundreds of people in the village.
Here the play takes a deep emotional turn. The audience understands that what Bhuma and his son did is not something an ordinary person can do easily. Their sacrifice proves that true greatness does not lie in a high position, power or wealth, but in duty and sacrifice.
Bhuma’s Ideal – An Inspiration
Bhuma’s character teaches us that—
Duty is paramount – no matter how difficult the situation is, one should not step back from responsibility.
Sacrifice is greatness – sacrificing one’s own interests for others is the true form of humanity.
Man and nature have a deep relationship – protecting the lake was not just about protecting water, but about protecting life.
We learn from Bhuma’s life that if we all do our small work with complete honesty, then even the biggest crisis cannot harm the society.
Social and human message of the play
This play is not just the story of a village, but a symbol of the entire humanity. There are many deep messages hidden in it:
Importance of duty – The real value of any person is determined by how he fulfills his responsibility.
Sacrifice and service – Only those people take the society forward who think about the welfare of everyone by rising above their personal happiness and sorrow.
Protection of nature – Protection of natural resources is our primary responsibility, because they are our lifeline.
Continuity of inspiration – Bhuma also led her son on the path of responsibility, so that the next generation also gets the same values.
The Watchman of the Lake teaches us that the real hero is the one who does his small work with such honesty and dedication that it has an impact on the whole society. The sacrifice of Bhuma and her son not only saves a village, but it also gives us a deep lesson of life – that there is no greater worship than duty and sacrifice. Through this play, R.K. Narayan has given the message that if every person fulfills his responsibility with full devotion, then there will be no fear in the world and there will be no crisis that we cannot face.
Recommended Reading
A Tiger for Malgudi By R.K Narayan