“How faith leaders can help India meet its Swachh Bharat Abhiyan goals”, Hindustan Times, 19 September 2017

Great article in Hindustan Times about the role of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and faith based organisations in creating, maintaining and sustaining a truly Swachh Bharat (Clean India). The article is thoughtfully written by Ms Naina Lal Kidwai of India Sanitation Coalition.

Co-Founder of GlWA, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji states, “We need to come out of our houses of worship. Before you go to meditation, you need sanitation. If you don’t go to the toilet, you can’t focus on meditation.”

Akmal Shareef from the Islamic Relief emphasises how the five pillars of Islam guided devotees towards cleanliness, toilet use and hand washing.

Secretary General GIWA Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji adds beautifully, “Behaviours do not exist in a vacuum; they are a result of our beliefs and experiences. Faith has a tremendous role in dealing with social taboos and changing norms. One of the best ways to address issues of sanitation is to bring faith leaders and faith communities to work together against a common enemy: Lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).”