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Tag: Plan India

  • Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign promotes hygiene at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign promotes hygiene at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    MUMBAI: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which commenced on 13 January 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan and is set to conclude on  26 February 2025, aligning with Maha Shivratri, has transformed Prayagraj into a centre of devotion and public health efforts. Among the millions expected to gather for this event, an initiative to promote hygiene and health is taking centre stage.

    Reckitt, a health and hygiene company, is efforts to ensure this year’s Kumbh incorporates a strong focus on cleanliness and well-being through its campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI).

    DBSI has been a partner of the Kumbh Mela since 2016, contributing to the Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas in Varanasi, Nashik, and Ujjain. This year, the initiative aims to reach an expected 45 crore devotees, incorporating hygiene practices into the cultural and spiritual activities of the event.

    The campaign, in collaboration with Global Interfaith Wash Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation, Plan India, and Jagran Pehel, aligns with the government of India’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision. The focus is on encouraging handwashing practices, with soaps being distributed at food-serving areas. Devotees will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after meals, while 15,000 sanitation workers will participate in training programs and receive soaps to support hygiene efforts across the mela grounds.

    To address the scale of the event, health and hygiene volunteers will be present in all 25 sectors of the Kumbh. Kalpvasis, who stay for 45 days of the mela, will receive soaps and hygiene education. The campaign will also engage attendees through traditional performances like Nukkad Nataks to highlight the importance of handwashing in maintaining health.

    Reckitt – South Asia executive vice president  Gaurav Jain said, “At Reckitt, we believe that health and well-being of communities are the foundation of true progress. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 provides a unique opportunity to embed hygiene practices into one of India’s most culturally significant events. We are delighted to take ahead our long-standing partnership with the government of Uttar Pradesh and GIWA to reaffirm our commitment to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, ensuring that hygiene is the cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier India.”

    Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh president, and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, co-founder Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said, “I have been associated with Banega Swasth India and thrilled to witness its impactful presence at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. By leveraging engaging initiatives such as street plays, puppet shows, and distributing planters, we aim to empower individuals to become ambassadors of change, driving a collective movement towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable society.”

    Plan India executive director Mohammed Asif stated, “Our collaboration with Dettol Banega Swasth India is a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change in communities. At the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we are proud to contribute to this monumental effort to instil hygiene practices among millions of devotees. By reaching out to diverse communities, we are reinforcing the importance of hand hygiene and drive positive behavioural change for a healthier tomorrow.”

    AJ Foundation chairperson Bidhu Bhushan Panda said, “We are proud to collaborate with Banega Swasth India at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, amplifying critical messages on health and hygiene. As a vibrant celebration of unity and spiritual growth, the Maha Kumbh embodies humanity’s collective commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we aim to inspire awareness, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy that resonates with all participants.”

    Jagran Pehel treasurer Sameer Gupta “Jagran Pehel is deeply honoured to support DBSI at Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest religious gathering in the world. Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a gathering; it is a profound celebration of faith, devotion, and unity. Through our far-reaching impact and meaningful advocacy, we are committed to uplifting the spirit of this sacred event and championing initiatives that enhance its purpose and legacy for millions of devotees.”

  • OHO Hill Yatra campaign presented by Dettol Banega Swasth India culminates in Dehradun

    OHO Hill Yatra campaign presented by Dettol Banega Swasth India culminates in Dehradun

    Mumbai: Reckitt, world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company, along with partner Plan India, partnered with season three of OHO Hill Yatra for its Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, with the theme – ‘Kedarkhand Se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand’ and culminated grand finale in Dehradun in presence of chief minister of Uttarakhand  Pushkar Singh Dhami. The month-long on-ground initiative hosted by RJ Kaavya, reached over 25,000 students and 43 schools, engaging and educating students and communities across 13 districts in Uttarakhand on the issue of climate change. To further its commitment to cover 100 per cent districts of Uttarakhand by 2025, Dettol Banega Swasth India will develop one Climate Resilient School per district, focused on reinforcing state’s climate mitigation & adaptation efforts and contributing to the achievement of SDGs.

    Hosted at the CM Camp Office in Dehradun, the grand finale was also graced by special guest Reckitt director, external affairs and partnerships, SOA Ravi Bhatnagar and OHO Radio CEO RJ Kaavya. During the event, students from the Climate Resilient Schools presented cultural performances and models on waste management, energy saving, and solar panel retrofitting implemented in their schools. The event also witnessed the launch of Dettol Climate Resilient School Preamble, encouraging children to commit to preserve and safeguard the environment by taking environment-friendly actions for a greener and healthier tomorrow.

    Commenting on the grand finale event, chief guest Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “I congratulate Dettol Banega Swasth India and OHO Radio for this unique campaign in Uttarakhand to drive education among children on the important issue of climate change. The OHO Hill Yatra season 3 campaign by Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, with the theme- ‘Kedarkhand Se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand’ engaged children and communities across 13 districts of the state. Aligned to the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi – Mission LiFE, this endeavour is truly remarkable and holds an important value as it encourages children to inculcate behavioural change in their everyday lives.”

    India is the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change impact, according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. Due to geological factors such as melting glaciers, increased population pressure, seismic activity, and over-exploitation of natural resources, the state of Uttarakhand is vulnerable to climate change. In alignment with Government of India’s Mission LiFE curriculum, Reckitt aims to create a cadre of environmentally conscious children to drive climate resilience in school and community across the state of Uttarakhand with Dettol Climate Resilient School project. Through this project, retrofitting in 4 schools in 4 Dhams of Uttarakhand were done with solar panels, energy efficient lights & fans, low flow water fixtures, waste management. Following schools were covered – Government Upper Primary School, Damta, Uttarkashi (Yamunotri), Government High School, Athali, Uttarkashi (Gangotri), Government Upper Primary School, Ratura, Rudraprayag (Kedarnath) and Government Upper Primary School, Pakhi, Chamoli (Badrinath). The impact of retrofitting in schools translated to a 65 per cent reduction in water wastage, and 64.5 per cent reduction in electricity units charges.

    The incorporation of wall murals focusing on the themes of Mission LiFE serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness among students. By actively engaging in environmental education workshops, the project not only aligns with the government’s emphasis on climate action but also directly supports the national goal of fostering environmental consciousness among citizens. The cultivation of environmental responsibility and conscious lifestyles among children through climate-friendly interventions echoes the government’s call for sustainable habits from an early age.

    Reckitt – South Asia EVP Gaurav Jain said, “In a remarkable stride towards sustainability, India has witnessed a substantial boost in its green energy initiatives, transitioning seamlessly from 2023 to 2024. At Reckitt, we believe we have a duty to combat climate change and empower the next generation towards building a sustainable and resilient future. With Dettol Climate Resilient Schools and the OHO Hill Yatra campaign, we have been working closely in the state of Uttarakhand to drive on-ground behaviour change and educate the younger generation through three pillars – campus,  urriculum and collaboration. Bearing the flag of Mission LiFE, we look forward to expand the initiative by developing more climate resilient schools in Dev Bhoomi-Uttarakhand, where elements of nature meet in the purest form. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Uttarakhand for their invaluable support as we together work towards building a greener and more resilient Uttarakhand.”

    The Dettol Climate Resilient project partnered with OHO Radio, a coveted local digital radio, to conduct an immersive month-long campaign during the OHO Hill Yatra. Designed to deepen students’ understanding of environmental issues, the campaign focused on promoting Mission LiFE and informing the audience on the critical issue of climate change. The grand finale event encompassed of various cultural performances by students from selected schools of Khatima, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi, and showcased impact of OHO Hill Yatra campaign, based on the theme ‘Kedarkhand se Manaskhand Ek No. Uttarakhand’.

    The Dettol Climate Resilient School Project, under the visionary leadership of Reckitt and implementation of Plan India, has emerged as a crucial player aligning itself with the national green goals set by the Indian government. This innovative initiative has demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and community engagement, contributing significantly to the broader vision of a greener and more resilient India.

    Since its inception last year, the Dettol Climate Resilient School Project has emerged as a crucial player aligning itself with the national green goals in alignment with the vision of the Government of India. This innovative initiative has not only demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability but has also actively contributed to the broader vision of a greener and more resilient India. The project’s endeavours have resulted in significant achievements, with four schools retrofitted with solar panels, energy-efficient lights, fans, low-flow water fixtures, and waste management systems. These efforts have led to tangible impacts on water wastage and electricity units charges, seamlessly aligning with the country’s broader objectives for sustainable resource management.

    In essence, the Dettol Climate Resilient School Project has intricately woven its initiatives to not only align with but actively contribute to the national green goals of India. As India moves from 2023 to 2024, the trajectory is clear – a determined march towards a greener, more sustainable future. The financial allocations, initiatives, and collaborations underscore the nation’s commitment to aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, forging a path towards a resilient and eco-friendly tomorrow.
     

  • Menstrual equity and gender inequality are inextricably linked: Shally Mukherjee

    Menstrual equity and gender inequality are inextricably linked: Shally Mukherjee

    Mumbai: There are 500 million women worldwide who are experiencing ‘period poverty’ i.e., lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these. Recently, Miss Universe Organisation, social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, social impact agency DDB For Good, and humanitarian organisation Plan India formed a social impact alliance to address the issue of menstrual equity.

    The initiative, which will be piloted in India, will lead efforts to raise awareness, education, policy and access to sustainable resources and products for menstrual equity. In India, 62 per cent of young women and girls do not have access to safe menstrual care, according to a study. The campaign will go global in the coming years.

    The coalition’s goal is to achieve menstrual equity for five million women and girls by 2025 in India. Plan India will act as the on-ground NGO partner to drive the mission while DDB For Good in partnership with philanthropic consulting firm Change Our World will mobilise the public using creative storytelling to raise funds for the platform. Both DDB For Good and Changing Our World are a part of the Omnicom Group. Muruganantham aka ‘Padman’ will help the coalition set up affordable manufacturing units in geographies and communities most affected by period poverty that will be run by the women and girls themselves.

    In the past, DDB For Good has worked with Udhyam, a non-government organisation that works in the space of building entrepreneurial mindsets. They were the communications partner for Unicef on the Yuwaah initiative during Covid. The agency created and led the ‘Team For Humanity’ platform to raise funds for families who lost their breadwinners in the second wave of Covid.

    DDB For Good founder and head Shally Mukherjee has over a decade of experience understanding issues around menstrual equity through her work on some of the leading brands (P&G) in the category, not just in India but globally. In conversation with IndianTelevision.com, she speaks about the role of menstrual equity in addressing the larger problem of gender inequality and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the link between menstrual equity and gender inequality

    Menstrual equity in its entirety can be defined as the ability of every woman to manage her menstruation experience with dignity, safety and confidence. More specifically, it entails menstrual awareness for her and the society in general, access to hygienic menstrual products, safe disposal spaces and elimination of taboos.

    Menstrual equity and gender inequality are inextricably linked. In my opinion, it’s the root cause. Gender inequality intensifies when a girl gets her first period, with taboos and a list of do’s and don’ts. These are impressionable years for a girl and she gets shaped by what she is told and what she experiences. Menstrual poverty leads to not just a physically traumatic menstrual experience for her but mental and social as well, during her growth years. And thus the inequality in her own mind and those of others around her begins. The more measurable and tangible effects are girls dropping out of school, leading to a loss in education and hence lesser participation in the workforce as they grow up. Leading further to the vicious cycle of intensification of gender inequality and everything that lack of education means.

    On the coalition solving the issue on menstrual poverty

    The Global Coalition for menstrual Equity is a global call to end menstrual poverty. It’s a platform created to invite partners who can help scale up the effort in the space because the issue is huge and widespread.

    Each founding member brings a unique ability to scale up the effort in this space. Ms Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is a huge influencer and can leverage her reach and popularity to create change. Miss Universe Organisation has a reach of 90+ countries through a network of influencers. Plan India is a nationally registered NGO that will be the on-ground implementation partner, with not just reach across the country but also expertise in the space of menstrual equity. Plan India is a member of the Plan International Federation, and the coalition will leverage their reach in 70+ countries to scale this globally. Padamshree Mr. Arunachalam Muruganantham, aka Padman, is a social entrepreneur, who has done pioneering work in the space of period poverty alleviation and the coalition will leverage his expertise and affordable pad production machines to create access for menstrual products. DDB for Good brings in subject matter expertise, with almost a decade of work in this space. In addition, DDB For Good and Changing Our World have the expertise to create collaborative platforms, such as this, to create a pool of resources, expertise and influence for at-scale impact.

    On the blueprint of the initiative
    Creating regular access to safe, hygienic and affordable sanitary products is at the centre of our program as we kick this off. However, we will also be addressing the two other key pillars of awareness and taboos.

    Other than addressing the awareness, taboos, disposal and access issue, it is extremely important to bring boys and men into the conversation.

    On the communication strategy

    The coalition has just kicked off. We are working through the mass communications strategy. There are several pillars that need to be addressed. For now, the organic PR and the social media attention that the coalition is getting is proving to be adequate to spread awareness about the platform. The coalition announcement has garnered a huge response from several organisations and entities to participate and support. We are currently in conversation with potential partners.

    On the progress of the initiative

    We have an ambition of creating menstrual equity for five million girls and young women in India by 2025. We will also be launching the program in some other markets across the globe this year.

  • The Body Shop India joins hands with Plan International to support female empowerment this Christmas

    The Body Shop India joins hands with Plan International to support female empowerment this Christmas

    MUMBAI: Known to be a feminist brand standing for female empowerment and gender equality, The Body Shop recently announced its partnership with Plan International, a global non-profit organisation that is leading the movement to campaign for the rights of young women and girls, to take their fight against gender inequality a step further.

    The announcement was made at an event in Delhi where the brand took to the platform a panel of 5 successful women from different walks of life that chose to break the stereotype and fulfil their dreams. An open-ended conversation with The Body Shop India vice president, marketing, merchandising and e-commerce Harmeet Singh and panellists Plan International India executive director Anuja Bansal, Professional Super Biker Niharika Yadav, first female police superintendent of Tihar men’s jail Anju Mangla, and the first female DTC bus driver Vankadarath Saritha, led to unfolding of inspirational stories of their struggles and success.

    The Body Shop India VP marketing, merchandising e-commerce Harmeet Singh said, “In a corporate career spanning 20+ years, I have seen numerous instances of disparity between men and women – women are often disadvantaged to succeed despite being as capable and more. Self-belief has played a big role in my journey and I truly hope young girls everywhere believe in themselves and have the support of their family and community to achieve what they want to be. I am an advocate for gender equality and my dream for a better world is one where men and women are treated equally.”

    For the past 40 years, The Body Shop has been a quintessential beauty brand with its foundations in women empowerment. They have shown that being environmentally sustainable, people-centred and profitable can go hand in hand. From creating opportunities for people to improve their lives to giving back to local communities and nature, it has established its position as an environment-friendly, cruelty-free and sustainable brand.

    PLAN International India executive director Anuja Bansal said, "The commitment to achieve sustainable social goals is non-negotiable and inclusion of girls and women in all SDGS is a must. I have committed myself to the cause of social development of women and children. Having worked across several organisations, I have made my humble contribution to helping children and women realize their potential. Presently at Plan India, as the executive director, I envision our organisation reaching out to communities and societies at large, with strong gender-transformative programmers for children and girls so that they all can learn, lead, decide and thrive.”

    The  Body Shop India  is also urging its customers to contribute towards the initiative by making small voluntary donation on the transactions at The Body Shop  stores and online from December 2019 -January 2020 proceeds which will go towards to Plan International's India project  Saksham-an  initiative to enable disadvantaged young women, to escape poverty and become economically secure by equipping them with essential life and market-oriented vocational skills.