NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth India Season 10 Finale: Key Highlights and Achievements
15.08.2024: The 10th season of the NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in promoting health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability across India. This season’s finale, held on Independence Day, highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future, with Campaign Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana leading the celebrations.
Focus on Climate Change and the Future
The season finale kicked off with a strong emphasis on climate change and its potential impact on future generations. Ayushmann Khurrana, alongside a panel of experts, engaged with students, discussing the importance of addressing environmental challenges to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
India’s First Climate Resilient School
In a significant achievement from the previous year, Dettol launched India’s first Climate Resilient School in Uttarakhand on World Environment Day. Two students from this pioneering institution, Naveen Singh and Anushka, joined the finale to share their insights on waste management, hand hygiene, and biodiversity conservation. Their experiences underscored the importance of integrating environmental education into the curriculum to foster responsible future citizens.
Hygiene and Health: A Decade of Impact
Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of the AMR Standing Committee at the Indian Medical Association, stressed the vital role of hygiene in disease prevention during the panel discussion. Reflecting on the campaign’s journey, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at Reckitt, highlighted the program’s expansion from 2,500 kids in its first season to over 30 million children across India. He emphasized the campaign’s holistic approach to health, integrating human, animal, and plant health.
Youth Activism and Innovation
The finale also spotlighted inspiring stories of young changemakers. Vihaan Agarwal, who began his journey as a child rights activist at 14, now leads a non-profit organization called OneStepGreener at the age of 20. His efforts to promote waste segregation were sparked by the collapse of the Ghazipur landfill, motivating him to take action against pollution and environmental degradation.
The Intersection of Climate Change and Public Health
Randeep Guleria, Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta, drew attention to the connection between climate change and public health. He noted that outbreaks like SARS, MERS, the H1N1 pandemic, and COVID-19 are linked to environmental changes, making hygiene more critical than ever to prevent the spread of diseases.
Technology’s Role in Transforming Healthcare
The finale also explored the transformative potential of technology in healthcare. Ravi Bhatnagar introduced Protect QI, a Reckitt initiative designed to assess the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs). Additionally, Nikunj Malpani, Co-founder and CEO of NeoDocs, discussed his startup’s innovations in home wellness tracking, including acid test cards for urine and blood tests.
Innovations in Menstrual Health
The campaign celebrated Menstrumate, a company founded by Prisha Dubey, Anupriya Nayak, and Vanalika Konwar, which is leading the way in sustainable menstrual products. The company produces sanitary napkins made from sugarcane bagasse and promotes period education through interactive children’s books, fostering a positive understanding of menstruation from an early age.
The Impact of Climate Change on Children
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, highlighted the long-term effects of climate change on children, warning that the younger generation will bear the brunt of environmental degradation caused by human activity.
A Decade of Health and Hygiene Advocacy
The finale concluded with a powerful performance by playback singer Javed Ali, who sang the Banega Swasth India anthem, “Saaf Haath, Saaf Tan”, encapsulating the campaign’s core message of cleanliness and health.
As Banega Swasth India wraps up its first decade, the campaign looks forward to continuing its mission in Season 11, with a renewed focus on health, hygiene, and the environment, empowering the youth to lead the charge toward a healthier and more sustainable India.