Washing hands together for a world record attempt
On Global Handwashing Day (October 15, 2014), the state government of Madhya Pradesh and WaterAid’s MPWASH programme attempted a Guinness Book of World Record to have the maximum number of children wash their hands at one time across the state
More than 20,000 witnesses and an equal number of videographers helped with the process.
Hand washing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia.
The attempt was to enable greater awareness about the critical role of handwashing in hygiene promotion.
More than 40,000 teachers and volunteers helped in organising the school children and ensuring that the attempt goes off simultaneously in multiple locations across the state.
Around 14,78,685 school children participated in the attempt from 15,233 schools of the state.
On 1 July, 2015, Guinness World Records officially declared that Madhya Pradesh had set a new record for most number of people washing hands in multiple locations.
To ensure entry into the Guinness World Records, the entire activity was organised by following the established guidelines of Guinness World Records.