You see, it had an important relation to both health, sanitation and the economic well being of a family. Sanitation for the obvious reason and health because a lot of people did not think it was important to wash hands after defecation. This meant that the germs and pathogens could easily pass on to the entire family leading to illness. Illness meant two things; one that there would be medical expenditure to cure the disease and second, if the breadwinner of the family were to fall ill, then the family would be in financial trouble especially if it was a long term disease. So what could we do?Well, we were told one important thing; “It is very difficult to sell the idea of a toilet in a village. But if you could get one person to adopt it, then others would eventually follow suit”.We bright eyed young social workers took this statement to heart and started working towards understanding people’s mentality about health and sanitation in their village.One thing was certain, we had to raise awareness about the issue so that people understood its gravity. We took this too heart and during each and every field work, health and sanitation were given top priority. We decided to start off with children as their minds are more open to newer ideas.
Through nukkad natak, games and showing videos, we taught them the basics of hygiene. We told them the importance of washing their hands with soap, taking a bath daily and not littering the village.
These were the small initiatives that we took in the period of one month.
But the bigger issues like building toilets was beyond our reach. Yes, we counseled women and told them about various schemes available but the final decision was of their husbands. They had tried applying for a toilet under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan but we all know how government schemes work.
I hoped for a better India, with toilets in every household and basic hygiene being followed but I was in for a big disappointment. It was not easy to get even one person build one, forget about the rest of India.
It was then that I resolved to make my own hygiene wish list which I would work towards fulfilling in the future.
It included:
Soap or ash usage in every household to wash hands.
- Toilets in every household or at least one toilet for every 3 to 4 households
- Clean public toilets in the cities and towns
- Spotless streets with no litter and dustbins in every corner
- Eco friendly sewage system where all waste would be reused as compost in the future
Don’t think, just act
Did you spot a person throwing wrapper? Instead of thinking what a bad person he or she is, why don’t you call them out and request them to throw it in a bin? Or if the person refuses to listen, calmly pick it up yourself and ensure that there is no litter around. The time for thinking is long past gone. If India needs to become clean, we all need to act and FAST!
We remember the day seven years back when were travelling in a Mumbai local trying hard to come up with a name for our blog when struck us; Khushboo was always called a Jack of all Trades. The name stuck (with a slight modification, of course) and Munni was born.
Six years, over 100 collaborations, lakhs of readers and several awards later; our love for blogging continues to grow. We continue to write on an eclectic range of topics from the funniest autorickshaw signs that we have spotted in Mumbai to how to bathe an elephant. We are true blue Munni of all Trades and we hope to continue on this joyride with our fellow Munnis and Munnas.
I've been supporting RB since few months ago. This is such a great cause, that's why I posted a permanent link on my homepage so others can see it and join the movement. Greetings from Kalikotpepot!
This is a good cause. I agree with you that since a lot of us are in the city and have our own offices, we kind of overlook what else is happening in other parts of our countries. A toilet at home is very basic – people should be taught about hygiene. It will definitely make a lot of difference.
As pictures speaks thousand words, we can understood the reality of the country. To improve the such a conditions Education is required. Try your best.
sometimes people tend to overlook what other places are doing to help their cause, but this is awesome.
This sounds like a really good campaign. Good to know you are doing this.
it's hard to imagine some things that we city kids take for granted are near non-existent in some other areas. thanks for sharing about the campaign and raising awareness!
Education is indeed important. People can donate millions, but if all the money goes to the pockets of the corrupted government, all will be useless. They can build toilets, but if the people misuse it and spoils it, it will be useless too.. Education is indeed the key!
Spreading information is very important and you are doing the right thing! I never heard this before and never thought this existed. This really opened my mind about the different problems our world is facing.
This is a wonderful cause and I think this is also applicable in some areas in our country. I love how you said “Don't think, just act” because it's quite true. I've seen people litter and some didn't do/say anything. I've tried telling others how important it is to throw it in proper places but they answer me back rudely so I tend to just let them do it and if I can, I pick it up and throw it in its proper places.
superb take. very well stressed the issue impeccably.
It's best to train kids from young. Awesome job
Thank you for sharing it Jeni. 🙂
A toilet can change the lives of an entire family especially women 🙂
Thank you for your wish Pabin 🙂
Thank you for dropping by Gillian 🙂
Thank you Alissa 🙂