It was a unique ceremony for a unique award given to a unique rural community of India. In what is perhaps the first ceremony of its kind, President K R Narayanan flew to Hamirpura, a village in Alwar district, to felicitate the village of Bhaonta-Kolyala with the first Down-To Earth-Joseph C John Award for the most outstanding environmental community. The award, instituted by Down To Earth and funded by the Joseph C John Trust, is aimed at scrutinising community efforts and selecting the outstanding one. Bhaonta-Kolyala triumphed for its work in rainwater harvesting, rural engineering and revival of the Arvari river'. The ceremony - held on March 28, 2000 - saw villagers coming to Hamirpura in droves from the nooks and corners of the district. It was attend by Rajasthan governor Anshuman Singh, chief minister Ashok Gehlot and a host of dignitaries, too. In an overview, Anil Agarwal, talks about the presidential visit, Bhaonta-Kolyala and the importance of rainwater harvesting