In the hilly regions of Varusanadu in Theni district, the Vaigai river originates. It is stored in the Vaigai dam at Andipatti, and then it irrigates the agricultural lands of Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts before eventually merging into the Gulf of Mannar. On its way, It gives water to the thousands of irrigation tanks serving millions of farmers from ancient times. One such tank is the Vaigai Kanmai (Vaigai irrigation tank). Near Keelkarai lies the village of Vaigai. The name "Vaigai" is shared by both the village and the irrigation tank. In this village where people from over nine communities live.

Vasavalingam was born as the second child to the couple Ramasamy and Alagammal. Belonging to a middle-class farming family, Ramasamy had eight children — five sons and three daughters, including Vasavalingam. Ramasamy was passionate about giving his son an education and seeing him in a government job. Matching his father's dreams, Vasavalingam studied well. The family’s financial situation often became a burden. At such a moment, he successfully completed his school education. Though he aspired to study engineering and had the ability to do so, lack of funds led him to pursue a teacher training course instead. He studied at the Mallipudur Teacher Training Institute near Srivilliputhur along with 18 other students. He was an average student. After completing his training, he pursued a career as a primary school teacher.

In 1965, he married Alagammal. He served in various schools such as Vallimidam Valasai, Kaniman Kundu, and Veeran Valasai for 10 years before becoming the headmaster of the school in Vaigai, where he served for 25½ years.

The school in Kaliman Kundu was on the verge of closure due to poor student attendance. After he became the headmaster, he enrolled more students, thus keeping the school running — a testament to his commitment.

He also served as the union leader for the Primary School Teachers’ Association. In 1981, he participated in a protest putting forth several demands and was imprisoned for 15 days. He considered such sacrifices part and parcel of leadership.

Vasavalingam, one of eight siblings, himself had eight children — four sons and four daughters. Some are continuing in agriculture while others have moved into different professions.

A person who worked with children, he had a child’s heart himself. Showering affection without discrimination, he was committed to meeting even the smallest needs of poor students. After 35 years in the teaching profession, he retired with a government pension.

In 2003, DHAN Vayalagam Foundation wanted to renovate his village, ‘Vaigai’ Irrigation tank. Its DHAN Core philosophy to form social capital to ensure sustainability before any work implementation. It was difficult to unite six different caste even though renovating tank will benefit them all. Uniting nine different communities to form one organization is no easy task, but with coordinated effort, his work as teacher and the villagers respect towards Vasavalingam, the Vaigai Kanmai Vayalagam (Farmers' Association) was formed. Later it became one of the model Vayalagam the entire Tiruppullani region.

He spearheaded the restoration of the Vaigai Kanmai. For 45 days, 30 people per day physically removed invasive Ipomea carneafrom the tank’s inlet. Although unable to engage in manual labor due to his age, Vasavalingam provided food for all the volunteers. This grassroots effort to revive the tank through Sharamdaan (voluntary labor) was a huge success.

People say those who work on tanks should be honored by touching their feet — Vasavalingam sees this work as even greater than service to God.

His main role has been showing affection to Vayalagam workers, offering help and timely advice for their tasks.

In the Ramanathapuram District Vayalagam Federation, he held many leadership roles. Also, he regularly attended District collector Grievance meetings and continuously urged the District Collector to remove encroachments on water bodies and submitted lists of tanks for protection — making it a routine duty.

From the formation of Vayalagams to creating leaders and bringing policies into local action, his involvement has been vital. In Tiruppullani alone, there are 71 Vayalagams. He is directly or indirectly responsible for the functioning of more than 4,000 members. The Vaigai Kanmai Vayalagam, once just a collective dream, is now a registered and permanent entity with ₹75,000 in funds — the first step toward progress. At 82 years of age, he still enthusiastically guides and mentors many groups. In the Vayalagam office, his photo is garlanded and honored on important days.

He always says “Every waterbody should have a vayalgam across the state to protect and bring prosperity to small and marginal farmers. Vayalagam work is not jus an income generating activity, it our family and our Life’s work. We must dedicate ourselves to this grand cause and bring people out of poverty.”

Let’s collectively work towards brining his dream a reality !