World Toilet Day 2008

One of the sanitation themed street plays.

Credit: WaterAid India

December 2008

World Toilet Day, held annually on November 19 each year, has acted as a global platform for campaigning and sharing information on sanitation since 2001.

This year the District Water Sanitation Mission of Orrisa and WaterAid India jointly celebrated the event at the Puri district. The event had over 700 attendees which included government representatives, international charities, teachers and sanitation ambassadors. The honorable Collector and District Magistrate of Puri, Mr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, assured that further sanitation coverage in the region will be met. A media briefing session drawing attention on the importance of World Toilet Day worked well to highlight the issues surrounding sanitation.

One of the fantastic sand art toilets.

Credit: WaterAid India

An art exhibition showcasing sand models of toilets ran by the Puri artist Mr. Ranjan Ganguly was a fantastic way to mobilize the gathering on the eve of the event. Outreach activities like street plays and rallies focused on the importance and health benefits of toilets. WaterAid partner organisations PRAGATI, Society for Social Unity and Development, Trishika Arts Society and Madani Welfare Association jointly coordinated the event.