Religious leaders from different faiths will converge in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the water and sanitation crisis confronting the country and means for creating awareness about cleanliness among masses.
"India faces a big challenge in terms of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). People in rural areas have toilets but they do not use them. It is because of the orthodox mindset and unawareness. This is what we are fighting for," Swami Chidanand Saraswati, co-founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and president of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, said.
On August 29 and 30, religious leaders from all faiths will take part in the 'GIWA Summit' which will discuss "ways to bring a change in the mindset and behavior" at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, Ladakh. UNICEF India will provide technical expertise, Saraswati said.
Asked how religious leaders can help to fight the toilet crisis and open defecation in rural areas, he said, "People have to be made aware of the serious effects it can have on their health. Each person needs to be told about and shown with the help of microscope the germs that find their way into his food and body. Open defecation is one of the major reasons for contamination of sources of water. We are up against it. 'Sanitation with mediation' is our motto".
"We have received support from the religious leaders of Shia and Sunni communities, the Akal Takht -- the supreme temporal body of Sikhs -- and others," Saraswati said.
To a question about religious practices, such as idol immersion in the rivers which add to water pollution, he said, "We have held events at Sagar Island in West Bengal and wish to take the campaign to places located on the banks of rivers in Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and elsewhere to address the issue of river pollution".
"There is certainly a lack of awareness and creating awareness is imperative for bringing about a change in the mindset and behavior. For this, education is the prerequisite and then comes cinema, posters, hoardings and all, " Saraswati said.
He claimed their team, comprising participants from 12 countries, cleared mounds of garbage from the banks of Ganga during the Kanwar Mela and on the occasion of Janmashtami.
"The gathering of all faiths will set an example for others to follow. The partnership with religious communities for spreading the message on sanitation among their congregation can be effective in challenging attitudes and practices," Sonia Sarkar from UNICEF India said.
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