Meet Delhi�s �Matka Man�, A Cancer Survivor Ensuring Clean Drinking Water for Hundreds

When Alagarathanam Nataraj first returned to India after 40 years and began living in Delhi, he was taken aback by how so many people in the national capital were without access to the most basic need � cold water in the hot, scorching summer.

It was the time when he had just returned from London, after his cancer diagnosis. A few years later, he was declared cancer free, and began using his time to help out at orphanages, a last-stage cancer hospice, and more.

The first time he noticed how many people had no access to drinking water, he installed a water cooler outside his home. But the 73-year-old wanted to reach more people.

Today, his efforts have resulted in him being labelled the �Matka Man�, who provides relief to hundreds in his South Delhi neighbourhood. Moreover, he provides fruits and food to the poor.

Watch how Salagarathanam has been using his compassion to bridge divides:

Cancer survivor Alagarathanam Natarajan wakes up every morning before dawn and drives out in his van in #Delhi to fill up over 70 matkas so the poor don’t go thirsty. #Respect #RealLifeHero #Summer pic.twitter.com/m6Zw0JILC0
� The Better India (@thebetterindia) May 16, 2022

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?