Address for the Leave No One Behind Webinar

In His address to the Leave No One Behind Webinar organised recently by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance in partnership with the WSSCC, and in association with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, United Nations India and Niti Aayog, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji shared in His powerful and inspiring address, “Our ancient scriptures teach us, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family. When we are one then there is no one to leave behind!”

He added, “When we work to reach the last one in line first we are actually doing the work of the Divine and touching the very essence of India’s spirit…We must ensure that in the times of the pandemic every one’s access to health, sanitation, water and hygiene is our individual and collective responsibility. We must expand our definition of ‘Leave No One Behind’ to include not just human beings but all living beings, all of Mother Nature and our one planet.”

Giving us mantras and sutras for a more sustainable future, Pujya Swamiji inspired all of the panelists and participants of this historic panel to take these words deep within and ensure Leave No One Behind becomes more than just a slogan but a way of living. The Webinar, taking place now at the time of the United Nations General Assembly, reflected on the Lessons Learnt from the Consultations regarding the achievement of SDG6 (water, sanitation and hygiene) for 14 vulnerable and marginalized population groups during India’s Voluntary National Review.