NEW DELHI: Water conservation has been solely focused on the idea of saving drinking water; however, the pandemic of 2020 has taught people that it is essential to not just use water but utilise it in moderation. Taking a step towards raising awareness on water conservation to maintain hygiene as well as practice efficient water management, News18 and Harpic’s #MissionPaani campaign introduces Swachhta aur Paani (Hygiene and Water).
In a special virtual event hosted by News18, India vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, minister of education Ramesh Pokhriyal along with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and other dignitaries extended their contribution and support to the cause by taking the Jal Pratigya (water conservation oath). Marking Jal Pratigya Diwas and World Toilet Day, the live event also witnessed the launch of a new campaign anthem which encourages society to take forward the responsibility mantle across the country. Anthem lyricist Prasoon Joshi and composer A R Rahman encouraged viewers to pledge their support to the cause.
The two-hour live event anchored by Anand Narasimhan and Kishore Ajwani saw several chief ministers lay out their 2025 water security and hygiene goals. Furthermore, former vice president of the US and environmentalist Al Gore and World Toilet Organisation founder Jack Sim shed light on some of the most pioneering initiatives around the cause. The event also invited several school principals and students from across the country to take the Jal Pratigya and share their stories on water conservation. The award-winning #MissionPaani initiative championed the cause by raising actionable awareness and lending support to water conservationists all around the nation. With the initiative’s extension and renewed objective, the aim is to collectively work towards ensuring water availability for our future generations.
The #MissionPaani campaign was inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to come together for water conservation with Jal Andolan. Network18 along with Reckitt Benckiser announced the #MissionPaani campaign in 2019, and through Swachhta aur Paani, they will highlight the critical components of both water and hygiene and bring everyone together in this mission for a safe & sustainable tomorrow.
Shekhawat said, “All of us must collectively work towards conserving water by 2024 so that each house is equipped with adequate water supply. We have been bestowed with ample of resources by Mother Nature and now we must learn to preserve and live a sustainable life. Water management and judicious water consumption being one of the ways.”
Network18 MD & group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi said, “We at Network 18, are honoured to be the voice of the nation as we come forward to work towards our shared hope of a safe and sustainable future. We seek to bring a positive change in the society by raising awareness and supporting a cause that will help millions of people from around the country. As a media platform, our role in providing responsible information and ensuring its availability has helped us in driving impactful reforms.”
Reckitt Benckiser group global CEO Laxman Narasimhan commented, “Over a year ago we defined our purpose where we exist to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. We also articulated our fight- to ensure access to high quality products, information that drives behaviour change and availability. Water is instrumental in enabling hygiene and sanitation. Because with the availability of water and our commitment to hygiene and sanitation we can put in place a first line of defense to address this issue. Today on World Toilet Day, we are reaching out to a wide audience on a common message on water conservation and hygiene. We can all be ambassadors of water and hygiene. I urge you all to join me to take your Jal Pratigya today.”
Climate Reality Project and Water Aid have joined hands with #MissionPaani - ‘SwachhtaaurPaani’ as Knowledge Partners.
