Religious leaders issue appeal on sanitation

About 60 leaders of various religions and sects participated, shared their thinking on sanitation and cleanliness.

Speaking at the meet Trevor Clark, UNICEF Chief Madhya Pradesh said that sanitation is right of each and every child and clean water and sanitation are vital prerequisites for reduction in child mortality and the fight against diseases.

Diarrhea and Pneumonia, two major reasons for child death, have direct linkage to open defecation.

Professor Samdong Rimpoche, Chancellor, Sanchi Bodh University that all religions, there is a all religions talk about cleanliness and sanitation and it should be promoted. There is need to look at various scientific research, getting new evidences and promoting positive practices on newer challenges in the area of sanitation.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, Shahr Kazi, Swami Hanut Sri (Manat Baba), Gyani Dilip Singh, Behan Reena , Father Shaji E, Dr Kayanat Kazi, Dr Anwar Shaqi, Brahmchari  Amit Jain, Shekar Baba, Swami Balbir Das, Acharya Rajnish Pawar were some of those who were present and shared their views.

Johnson D WASH officer UNICEF made a technical presentation and spoke on the challenges of sanitation, possible reasons of open defecation and need to stop open defecation.

Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh spoke on the objectives of the meet and work with religious leaders and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance.

Girish Updhayay, Senior Journalist, compared the programme and spoke on the possible role of religious leaders. Anil Saumitra, SPANDAN, welcomed the participants and spoke on the need to engage religious leaders.