OVER 20 prominent interfaith leaders of India’s major faiths joined hands with the Governor of Bihar and other dignitaries to pledge togetherness for a Swachh Bharat and a Swachh Bihar at a special Summit held by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) with technical support of UNICEF in Patna on Wednesday (January 4).
The Summit, called the ‘Sarva Dharma, Swachhta Evam Sadbhavna’, was organized with the aim of ushering in a Swachhta Kranti (clean revolution) through the coming together of prominent faith leaders, policy-makers, corporate leaders, civil society and media.
Together, the dignitaries fostered inspiration towards taking actions to ensure safe, sustainable and healthy water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all.
In Bihar, only 0.79 per cent of the state’s villages are open-defecation-free. At the same time, Bihar’s coverage under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme is at 46.64 per cent–much lower than the national average.
The faith leaders and dignitaries came together in support of the Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and Bihar’s Har Ghar Nal ka Jal and Ghar ka Samman – Shauchalaya Nirman programmes. In showing their unified pledge, they strove to send a loving message that all people, everywhere must now come together to realize a clean and green Bihar.
At the time, they also announced plans for a new GIWA Chapter for Bihar. The Chapter will add to the ongoing efforts in the state, and support acceleration of progress in achieving the Water and Sanitation goals in the state through programmes such as its World Toilet College and other outreach initiatives.
Said Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, founder/Chair, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance India and president, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh: ‘Today, time has come to make our festivals, clean and green festivals. No longer can we allow 1,600 children perish every day because of poor water, sanitation and hygiene.
‘However, there could not be a more powerful message of oneness and our commitment to this vital cause than all faith leaders coming together, with our Most Respected Chief Jathedarji of Akal Takht and Patna Saheb Jathedarji coming together to bless this cause. I am sure together we can change the state of Bihar to truly reflect the gem of spirituality and culture that it is, making possible a clean and green Bihar for all.”
In addition to the summit, GIWA Leaders participated in the Prakashotsav Seminar at the Takhat Sri Har Mandir Sahib to highlight the importance of WASH, joined the Naam Kirtan and held the Sarva Dharam, Swachchta Evam Sadbhavna Samvaad.
GIWA leaders also joined the Prakashotsav finale at Gandhi Maidan which wase graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
On the last day of the Prakash Parv Mahostav celebrations of the 350th Jayanti of Guru Gobind Singhji, GIWA leaders led by Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji discussed with Nitish Kumar the importance of keeping the River Ganga clean, green and free-flowing. Swamiji shared the work of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and the Ganga Action Parivar.
They also discussed training and capacity building regarding how to build and maintain toilets, improve sanitation and end open defecation in Bihar, especially for the districts along the River Ganga.
GIWA is the world’s first alliance that brings together leaders from the globe’s many faiths with the mission of ensuring that everyone around the globe has access to clean, healthy and sustainable WASH.
GIWA was launched at UNICEF headquarters in 2013, under sponsorship from the Government of Netherlands and USAID. Since its inception, GIWA has been instrumental in bringing together numerous stakeholders for the cause of WASH through awareness, advocacy and action.
