In a heartwarming story of dedication and heritage conservation, industrialist Anand Mahindra recently praised an 80-year-old Irishman who has spent more than a decade restoring and cleaning Jodhpur’s neglected stepwells.
The man, Caron Rawnsley, is affectionately known in Jodhpur as “Pagal Saab” because of his unwavering passion for preserving the city’s ancient water structures. What started as a visit to Rajasthan eventually turned into a lifelong mission to protect an important part of India’s cultural heritage.
A Tourist Who Became a Guardian of Heritage
When Rawnsley first explored Jodhpur, he was captivated by the beauty and historical significance of the city’s bawris and jhalaras—traditional stepwells that once played a vital role in water conservation. However, he was also saddened to see many of these structures filled with garbage and largely forgotten.
Instead of simply admiring these monuments and moving on, he decided to take action. Over the years, he has personally participated in cleaning and reviving several historic stepwells across Jodhpur, helping bring public attention back to these architectural treasures.
Why Stepwells Matter
For centuries, stepwells served as essential water sources in Rajasthan’s arid climate. They were more than reservoirs; they acted as community spaces where people gathered, socialized and found relief from the harsh desert conditions.
As modern water systems developed, many of these historic structures lost their relevance and gradually fell into neglect. Rawnsley’s work highlights the importance of preserving these sites not only for their historical value but also as symbols of traditional water management and sustainable living.
Anand Mahindra’s Appreciation
Anand Mahindra shared his admiration for Rawnsley’s efforts on social media, describing his dedication as an inspiring example of selfless service and heritage conservation. He emphasized that preserving India’s historical monuments is a responsibility that belongs to everyone, regardless of nationality or background.
Mahindra’s post sparked widespread appreciation online, with many people applauding Rawnsley’s commitment to protecting India’s cultural legacy.
They nicknamed 80 year old Irishman, Caron Rawnsley, ‘Paagal Saab’ for his obsession with cleaning Jodhpur’s Bawris & Jhalaras.
Fortunately, today, you don’t need to be either ‘paagal’ or ‘phirang’ to devote yourself to reviving India’s stepwells.
Earlier this year, I had… pic.twitter.com/xKTUzO72Zx
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 10, 2026
Want to know more about the man behind this inspiring conservation mission? Read our detailed profile on Caron Rawnsley and his efforts to save Jodhpur’s water heritage.
An Inspiring Message
Caron Rawnsley’s journey serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with one person’s determination. His efforts demonstrate that age, nationality and profession do not limit an individual’s ability to make a positive impact on society.
At a time when many heritage sites face neglect, his story encourages communities to rediscover and protect the treasures that connect them to their history.
Sometimes, preserving the past is the best way to inspire the future.