“Charity begins at home” is a timeless adage that underscores the importance of nurturing values and practices within our immediate communities.
On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day on Tuesday, the ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) exemplified this principle by launching an initiative aimed at promoting health and hygiene among the youth, reaching nearly 28,000 students across 43 schools in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas.
Supported by the hygiene brand Savlon, this initiative sought to instill the significance of healthy habits and foster a culture of hygiene that could inspire meaningful behavior change. Utilizing a hub-and-spoke model, the campaign featured a flagship event at Atal Aadarsh Bengali Balika Vidyalaya in Gole Market in the national capital, complemented by parallel activities in other NDMC schools.
Speaking at the event, Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, emphasized the long-lasting impact of developing good habits at a young age. He stated, “There is an old saying that good habits formed at a young age make all the difference.
“On this Global Handwashing Day, it is vital for the youth to understand, incorporate, and disseminate the importance of handwashing. Every year, approximately 1.8 million children under five die from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia due to poor hand hygiene. Therefore, incorporating this simple yet essential practice into our daily routines is crucial for leading healthy, productive lives and building a stronger society.”
Pramod Kumar, Academic Consultant at NDMC noted that the event not only highlights the importance of handwashing but also delivers valuable lessons on the impact of personal hygiene on public health. Initiatives like this will undoubtedly have a positive influence on the future of these children and society at large.
Deepak Sood, Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, added, “Handwashing promotes overall hygiene and is a simple yet highly cost-effective way to enhance personal and public health. Efforts like these reinforce the need for better hygiene and the critical role clean hands play in saving lives.”
This initiative is part of the broader ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign launched in 2014, which remains dedicated to promoting health and well-being through empowerment, education, and collaboration.
By nurturing a culture of hygiene and health from a young age, the ASSOCHAM Foundation is not only aiming to protect the well-being of future generations but also contributing to the broader goal of nation-building through healthier, more informed citizens.
The United Nation said in its post on social media X that “One of the cheapest, easiest & most effective ways of keeping children healthy is to encourage frequent hand washing.”
Enlisting 6 critical times to wash hands for better health, the Union Health Ministry also posted, “On this Global Hand Washing Day, let’s remember the importance of hand hygiene..
“Make handwashing a habit for a healthier future!”
