Coffee Table Book - CTB from Mission Swatchtha and Paani

A-Z STORIES OF
WOMEN SANITATION WARRIORS
WOMEN
CHAMPIONING
INDIA’S CLEAN
DREAM

WOMEN CHAMPIONING
INDIA’S CLEAN DREAM
PUBLISHED BY:
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AM
WWW.LOREMIPSUM.COM

In the quiet hum of the Indian morn,
Her dedication like no other, is silently born.
Under the sun’s warm embrace,
She sets forth in her humble ways.
A pledge, a promise made by a few,
Of a Clean India for me and you.
With toil she faces trials each day,
Her back standing tall, come what may.
Like the golden rays bless the land,
She leaves every corner better, in her gentle hand.
From public toilets to private lanes,
Her touch transforms, leaving no blemish, no stain.
Passage by passage, journey into her world,
Where stories of dignity and duty unfold.
In pursuit of public health and hygiene,
These are the guardians, the champions of India’s Clean Dream.

t
Con
en
ts
FOREWORD
MESSAGE FROM THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
MESSAGES FROM EMINENT DIGNITARIES
INTRODUCTION
AGAINST ALL ODDS: MONICA
BEYOND THE BROOM: MEENU PAMMA
CRUSADER OF CLEANLINESS: AVI KIRHA
DIGNITY IN DUTY: SUMAN
EMPOWERED BY EDUCATION: CHARANJEET KAUR
FRUIT OF FORTITUDE: BIOLIN LYNGDOH
GUARDIAN OF THE GANGES: DURGESH DEVI
HONOUR IN HYGIENE: JULIEBEN SOLANKI
HORIZON OF HOPE: NAINA
I AM INCLUSIVE: DULAARI
JADE OF JIM CORBETT: TARA ADHIKARI
JOURNEY OF A COMMUNITY: CHINTA DEVI
JOURNEY OF A COMMUNITY
KINDLING A FUTURE: G BHAVNANI
LIBERATING HER LIVELIHOOD: MEENA
MOTHER OF MIGHT: RENU
MANIPUR’S MATRIARCH: IBEMCHA
NURSING THE NEXT: SUKHMANI DAS
ONE CLEAN TOILET AT A TIME: RIMPY
ONWARD AND UPWARD: ROZANGUALI
PRIDE OVER PREJUDICE: SHEETAL
QUEST FOR STABILITY: SEENATH
REVOLUTION IN SANITATION
RESOLUTE IN RESILIENCE
STRIDE FOR SANITATION
SWEEPING SUCCESS
TWO ROLES, ONE MOTTO
TRIUMPH OF TOIL
UNSULLIED AND UNDEFEATED
UNSHACKLING UNTOUCHABILITY
VILLAGE VANGUARD
VOYAGE OF VALOUR
WASTE TO WONDER
WARRIOR OF WASTE
XTREME HEIGHT OF COURAGE
YEARS OF LEGACY
ZEROING IN ON CHANGE
CONCLUSION
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Droupadi Murmu
President of India
Kam
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Avi K
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AGAINST
all odds
“ L I F E ' S T U R N I N G P O I N T S O F T E N C O M E
U N A N N O U N C E D , B U T I T ' S O U R R E S P O N S E
T H A T M A K E S O U R J O U R N E Y A H E A D . ”
M O N I C A
C H A N D I G A R H
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0 0 1 0 0 2

“ T H R O U G H T H E D O O R S O F H A R P I C W O R L D
T O I L E T C O L L E G E , I F O U N D N O T J U S T
E D U C A T I O N , B U T A S E C O N D C H A N C E A T L I F E . ”
M E E N U P A M M A
P A T I A L A , P U N J A B
0 0 4
0 0 3
BEYOND
THE
BROOM
Meenu’s story unfolds under a thatched-roof hut in a forgotten corner of the Royal city of Patiala.
From an early age, Meenu shadowed her mother, a manual scavenger, eager to learn the ways
of the world. Her afternoons were spent darting behind her mum, through alleys that
crisscrossed the city, with the agility of a street urchin.
No matter how tough the going was, Meenu cherished simple moments with her family,
especially sharing a meal at the end of each day. But it was not to be forever. Tragedy struck
when Meenu's parents fell victim to the hazards of their profession of manual scavenging,
leaving her orphaned in a world that gave little solace to those born into poverty. Alone and
vulnerable, Meenu found herself grappling with a sense of loss, her dreams of a bright future
fading like a far echo into the night.
Yet, through the darkness, a ﬂicker of hope ignited her rebirth - the Harpic World Toilet College -
a cornerstone of education in sanitation. Here, she underwent a comprehensive training
program about safe sanitation practices, waste management, and the use of protective
equipment to become a skilled sanitation worker.
Empowered with both education and skill, Meenu emerged as a force for change in Patiala,
eradicating the age-old practice of manual scavenging. Today, tears of triumph rise in Meenu’s
eyes as she stands with dignity against the debris of her past. With a thankful heart she says,
“Education became my tool for liberation, and the Harpic World Toilet College, my alma mater.”

E V E R Y D R O P S A V E D , E V E R Y S U R F A C E
S A N I T I Z E D , I S A S T E P T O W A R D S A B R I G H T E R
F U T U R E F O R U S A L L .
A V I K I R H A
K O H I M A , N A G A L A N D
0 0 6
0 0 5
The crisp morning air of Kohima fills Avi’s lungs, as she walks down a winding cobbled street
to her place of daily devotion. Her purpose is as clear as her mind - to make a difference in
the lives of those she serves as a sanitation worker. With her short hair and a face etched
with the gentle lines of her journey, she strides ahead with determination.
Born into humble beginnings, Avi's life has been hard to say the least, yet she refuses to be
defined by her circumstances. For eight long years, she has been the silent guardian of a
local toilet in Kohima, a city grappling with water scarcity and sanitation issues.
As a sanitation worker, Avi faces both physical and emotional strains. Her demanding job
requires manual labour during 12-hour shifts, often leaving her physically exhausted.
If that was not all, she also has to deal with the emotional strain of witnessing the
inequalities and injustice.
Crusading through these challenges, Avi finds solace in the knowledge that her work is
making a difference, however small it may seem. Through her dedication to improving
sanitation infrastructure, she not only safeguards public health but also contributes to
broader societal benefits.
For Avi, sanitation is more than just a job; it's a calling, a higher purpose that drives her
forward. Her journey is not just about scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets; it's a testament
to the spirit of a woman determined to carve her own path in a world filled with obstacles.
Crusader
of
Cleanliness

W I T H D E D I C A T I O N T O P U B L I C H E A L T H , T H E
I M P O S S I B L E B E C A M E P O S S I B L E , A N D T H E
U N I M A G I N A B L E , A T T A I N A B L E .
S U M A N
N E W D E L H I
0 0 8
0 0 7
DIGNITY
IN DUTY
When she is not working, Suman is often found eating sweetmeats with
her son at a stall just behind her small home in East Delhi’s Trilokpuri.
Her deepest desire, nurtured over years of hard work, is to see him
walk across the stage, adorned in cap and gown, to receive his college
degree. This dream comes straight from a mother's heart, filled with
love and hope for her child's future.
With the purity of this feeling, Suman began her journey into sanitation
back in the 1990s. From those early days, she welcomed her role with
unshaking dedication, fighting both filth and disease. The days were
long, the work was tough, and the hours were grueling, but Suman
never lost sight of her goal.
Today, at 58, her labour has borne the sweetest of fruit. Her long and
dignified career in sanitation has taken her to prestigious venues like
the Indira Gandhi Stadium and Delhi's Science Museum, where her
tireless efforts have earned her the respect of seniors and supervisors.
But that’s not all, through her hard-earned income, she has also turned
her dream into a reality, proving that with determination and
perseverance, anything is possible. Seasoned with lines of struggle,
her eyes give away the reassurance of a future.

A F T E R A L L T H E S E Y E A R S , I C A N S A Y
E D U C A T I O N T R U L Y E M P O W E R S U S T O B R E A K
B A R R I E R S A N D R E W R I T E O U R O W N D E S T I N I E S .
C H A R A N J E E T
B H A V A N I G A R H , P U N J A B
0 1 0
0 0 9
In the tenderness of youth, Charanjeet always dreamed of a bright future. With a cherished
bicycle gifted to her by her father, she moved to her husband’s home in Bhavanigarh, Punjab.
Unfortunately, the pages of time handed her into the grip of extreme poverty, where she and her
husband struggled to make ends meet.
Resolute to improve her family’s ﬁnancial footing, she took her ﬁrst steps into sanitation as a
refuse collector. Each dawn Charanjeet mounted her bicycle, a silent companion in her quest for
stability, and pedaled her way through. Her shoulders were heavy with the weight of
responsibilities, but she knew that every rupee, every sweatbead, was an investment in the
future of her children.
Living with frugality, she understood that the life of a refuse collector came with its own share of
injustices and presupposed notions. But she was not one to back down. Driven by an insatiable
thirst to rise above her station, she embarked on an educational journey at the Harpic World
Toilet College.
Here, Charanjeet's eyes opened to the transformative power of education. Armed with newfound
knowledge on proper sanitation practices, she returned to her community as a catalyst of change,
revolutionizing the waste management practices in her locality.
Her life from poverty to empowerment, from ignorance to enlightenment, is a reminder of the
resilience of the human spirit. Today, as she stands on the clean streets of Bhavanigarh, her head
is high with pride and her being is empowered by education.
EMPOWERED
BY EDUCATION

“ W I T H M Y M O T H E R ’ S E N D U R I N G S P I R I T
I N M E , I F E A R N O M O U N T A I N . ”
B I O L I N L Y N G D O H
S H I L L O N G , M E G H A L A Y A
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FRUIT OF
FORTITUDE
From the time Biolin and her brother were little, their mother had been the
anchor of their lives. In her, they found the courage to dream, and the
strength to endure. Their modest hut, in the enchanting hills of Shillong,
resonated with the warmth of her love and the wisdom of her guidance. But
fate had other plans in store.
The untimely departure of their mother shattered their world to pieces. It
was in the wake of this profound loss that Biolin made a solemn vow to her
mother, a promise to honor her legacy and carry forward her
teachings.Stepping into her late mother's shoes, Biolin took on the
responsibility of caring for her younger brother and ensuring their family's
survival. With determination etched in her every step, she began her
journey as a sweeper, making a meager earning of ₹3,000 per month.
Despite the hardships, Biolin embraced her new role with unwavering
resolve, with the strength from her mother’s spirit.
Her dedication to sanitation did not go unnoticed, as her superiors lauded
her hard work with a permanent role as a professional toilet cleaner. A
mother today herself, Bioiln supports her children’s education with pride.
She’s also been made incharge of overseeing cleanliness in public toilets
and gardens of Shillong. As long as her mother’s spirit guides her, no
mountain will ever be tall enough, no road hard enough for Biolin.

“ W I T H M Y M O T H E R ’ S E N D U R I N G S P I R I T I N M E ,
I F E A R N O M O U N T A I N . ”
D U R G E S H D E V I
R I S H I K E S H , U T T A R A K H A N D
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In a quiet village nestled along the sacred banks of the Ganges, Durgesh Devi's story
begins much like that of any bride: with dreams as boundless as the river itself. Married
at a tender age, she arrived in her new home in Rishikesh with a heart brimming with
anticipation, eager to see the beauty of her surroundings. But her excitement quickly
turned to dismay on seeing the once-pristine river, tainted by human neglect.
Determined to make a difference, she joined forces with a group of spirited mothers,
each with their own dreams of restoring the river to its former glory. Together, they
embarked on a journey to clean up the riverbanks.
The word of their eco-mission spread, and support began to trickle in from unexpected
corners. Local businesses offered supplies, while volunteers from neighbouring
villages joined the cause. Through sheer grit, Durgesh and her band of courageous
women made strides towards sanitation. Their efforts not only cleaned up the banks of
River Ganga, but also ignited a shift in mindset within their community.
Today, as the sun sets over the Ganges, Durgesh’s heart swells with pride. In the far
distance, she sees other women, working tirelessly to maintain the sanctity and purity
of the revered river. And in that moment, she knows that together, they are not just
cleaning the riverbanks, but are safeguarding the future of the generations to come.
GUARDIAN OF
THE GANGES

“ A F T E R A L L T H E S E Y E A R S , I C A N S A Y E D U C A T I O N
T R U L Y E M P O W E R S U S T O B R E A K B A R R I E R S A N D
R E W R I T E O U R O W N D E S T I N I E S . ”
J U L I E B E N S O L A N K I
V A D O D A R A , G U J A R A T
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HONOUR IN
HYGIENE
At the bustling Dandiya Bazaar crossroad of Vadodara, Julieben, a dedicated
sanitation worker with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, epitomizes
commitment like no other. For 13 long years, she has upheld the mantle of
community hygiene, inheriting this noble role from her mother, staying true to her
family legacy.
The life she lives today bears little resemblance to her dark past. Young Julie was
married off to an abusive and alcoholic husband, and before she knew it, she
found herself shouldering a huge responsibility of raising her children. Among
them, a 20-year-old daughter with special needs, whose care demanded both
patience and perseverance.
Quietly working her days at the Municipal Corporation, Julie started to reclaim
her life with honour and hardwork. “To serve in sanitation is to embrace a noble
calling”, her mother’s words kept her ﬁrm on her path, even in the face of
adversity. While the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and fear
to the community, it shed great light on Julie's indispensable role in sanitation.
With a monthly income of ₹20,000, today Julie not only supports her family but
also commands respect at home and within the Gujarati community. Born with a
warrior spirit, she tirelessly contributes to the healthy functioning of our
societies, and of India’s public hygiene, a role often overlooked by many.

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Horizon
of Hope
N A I N A
D A M A N D I U
M O R E T H A N A J O B ,
I T ’ S M Y L I F E L I N E
Lapped by the waves of Arabian sea, Naina’s story unfolds in Daman Diu - a
beautiful union territory tucked away to the south of Gujarat. Raised within the
expanse of dense forests, she spent her formative years in a basic mud house, where
life was all about simple necessities and cherished moments. Yet, beneath the tranquil
surface of the surroundings, Naina's life has been anything but serene.
A dark storm clouded her life with the passing of her husband when her son Nayan
was just two years old. Grief engulfed Naina leaving her to steer the waters of
widowhood and single motherhood, all by herself. But she was not one to surrender.
She made courage her compass, and resilience her anchor, before taking on the duties
of a sanitation worker.
In a profession that’s not the choice of many, she made a new life - proudly taking care
of her family, which includes her mother and brother, all while ensuring her son gets
proper education. On a personal front, she has also begun attending an English
medium school with the goal of becoming literate herself. Day after day, sanitation
professionals like Naina are contributing to India’s collective progress, their role no
matter how modest is meaningful.

I am
inclusive
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D U L A A R I
A G A R T A L A , T R I P U R A
T H E W E I G H T O F D I S C R I M I N A T I O N M A Y B E N D
O U R B A C K S , B U T I T I S T H E F I R E O F O U R
S P I R I T T H A T K E E P S U S S T A N D I N G T A L L .
Her hands may look withered, but her heart is alight with determination. Her eyes
may seem tired, but her spirit is unshaken. As the first rays of the sun colour the
sky of the Seven Sisters of India, Dulaari rises from her tiny hut, ready to embark
on her daily duty as a resolute sanitation worker with quiet determination.
From the moment she drew breath, Dulaari was branded with the mark of the
Harijan caste, and condemned to a life on the fringes of society. As she watched
her tribe suffer from oppression, she felt the burden of injustice settle upon her
shoulders. For too long, her people had been denied the most basic of rights, their
voices drowned by inequality.
But Dulaari refused to surrender to despair. With a fire burning within her, she
vowed to break the chains of casteism and carve a path of dignity and inclusivity.
Scrubbing away tiles of public toilets in Agartala, she challenged perceptions,
commanding respect not just from her own community, but from all those who saw
her transformation.
Championing the cause of sanitation, she has turned every frown, and every scorn,
into admiration by building a respectable personal and professional life. “I look
back only to see how far I’ve come, but the road ahead is a long one”, quips in
Dulaari. In her journey, she exemplifies the true strength of a woman, while paving
the way for a cleaner nation.

Jade of
Jim Corbett
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I N K A N I Y A , E V E R Y T R E E W E P L A N T A N D
E V E R Y R I V E R W E C L E A N I S A N A C T I O N O F
S H A R E D R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y .
T A R A A D H I K A R I
J I M C O R B E T T , U T T A R A K H A N D
Born as a child of the forest, in JimCorbett, Tara’s love for her
homeland has known no bounds. While other children played
games of make-believe, she was found skipping stones over
streams. Her parents often saw her poring over books about
wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability, her eyes
shining to protect the world she loved so dearly.
As she grew older, it is to no surprise that her motto had become
to create a future where humans and nature coexist
harmoniously. Today, as the energetic president of the Gaura
Devi Paryavaran Sakhi Samuh, Tara displays academic
excellence while leading her village Kaniya’s towards
sustainability and environmental transformation.
Under her guidance, Kaniya has ﬂourished, gaining recognition
in the Swachh Survekshan rankings for its cleanliness and
environmental initiatives. The once litter-strewn streets now
boast of lush greenery and clean surroundings, a testament to
Tara's dedication to her community.

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C H I N T A D E V I
G A Y A , B I H A R
T H I S V I C T O R Y I S N O T M I N E A L O N E .
I T B E L O N G S T O M Y C O M M U N I T Y A N D T H E P O W E R
O F C O L L E C T I V E F A I T H
Journey of
a Community
In the heart of Gaya, Chinta Devi is a picture of strength and grace. With her
daughter clinging tightly to her back, she navigated the bustling lanes, the
weight of responsibilities heavy upon her frame. Her days were ﬁlled with
sweeping streets and collecting garbage, her hands calloused from the
hard, manual labour.
But fate has a way of showing unexpected paths, and soon, Chinta found
herself selling vegetables in the very market she once cleaned. Her
presence was magnetic, drawing people to her stall not just for produce,
but for the warmth and wisdom she exuded. It was here, in the middle of a
marketplace that Chinta's journey took an unexpected turn.
The community grew to admire and respect her, they began to see her not
just as a vendor, but as a leader. Recognizing her natural leadership
qualities and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the community, they
rallied behind her, propelling her into the political sphere as a candidate for
Deputy Mayor.
The victory was not just a triumph for Chinta Devi, but for the entire
community—a clear symbol of trust, respect, and affection they held for her.
Today, Chinta Dev’s heart overﬂows with pride and gratitude for the
opportunity to serve her community and make a difference in their lives.

Kindling
a Future
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I N S A N I T A T I O N I F O U N D A S O U R C E O F
S T R E N G T H T O U P H O L D T H E D I G N I T Y O F
M Y F A M I L Y .
G . B H A V A N
K U R N O O L , A N D H R A P R A D E S H
In the land of temples, G Bhavani’s days were woven with threads of devotion
towards her family and the city’s sanitation. Her husband and son meant the world to
her, and she poured her heart into creating a small sanctuary of love after her
sanitation duties were done. Little did Bhavani know that the fragile peace of her
being would soon be broken.
A loving wife and a doting mother, Bhavani found herself at the helm of ﬁnances after
the untimely demise of her husband. Tears welled in Bhavani's eyes as she whispered
her husband's name, her voice shaking with disbelief. The tide of grief was high, but
she knew that she could not afford to succumb to despair, not when her only son and
her aunt depended on her for their very survival.
Bhavani took charge of her family for a meager 13000 rupees that she earned from
cleaning toilets. In spite of hardships, she displayed extraordinary courage to not just
ﬁght not just the grime, but also the stigma staining her self-respect.
Her hands may look rough with years of scrubbing and cleaning, but she's made a life
of dignity that gleams bright in Kurnool, the City of Gemstones. On asking her about
her journey so far, she says humbly, “My service to sanitation saved me.”

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Liberating
Her
Livelihood
I N T H I S L A N D I W A S B O R N , A N D I N I T S
C L E A N L I N E S S A N D C A R E , I F I N D M Y P U R P O S E .
M E E N A
S O N I P A T , H A R Y A N A
Raised in a small village of Sonipat replete with golden mustard fields and winding
irrigation canals, Meena knew the meaning of hard work from a very young age. Her
father, a humble Indian farmer, toiled from dawn to dusk every single day, but it
wasn't enough to break the shackles of poverty.
Leaving it all in the hands of fate, Meena got married and had three beautiful children
who saved her from her misery, if only momentarily. Life didn’t improve much for
Meena after marriage as her husband passed away tragically, leaving her a single
mother of three. In that moment, Meena felt her life slipping through her fingers like
grains of sand.
Proving that she was after all her father’s daughter, Meena sought refuge in the only
thing she knew - hard work. Armed with a broom and a bucket, she took to sanitation -
sometimes cleaning the streets, and sometimes scrubbing public toilets. Slowly but
surely, Meena saw her life rebuild. She saved every rupee she could, determined to
give her children a better future. With her savings, she was able to send her eldest
daughter to school and eventually pay for her wedding, breaking the trap of poverty
that had plagued her family for generations.
To add to her list of successes, she even constructed a stable house for herself, and
has recently become a doting grandmother! From surviving on just plain rice to living
a respectable life, Meena stands unmoved as a proud daughter of the soil, her roots
anchored firmly in the rich earth of Haryana.

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R E N U
K A S H I , U T T A R P R A D E S H
“ H A R P I C W O R L D T O I L E T C O L L E G E E M P O W E R E D
M E T O N O T O N L Y U P L I F T M Y F A M I L Y B U T A L S O
T O S E R V E M Y I N D I A W I T H P R I D E . ”
Mother
of Might
As the sun casts a golden glow upon the ancient ghats of Varanasi, Renu finds herself
reflecting on the journey that brought her to this moment. Born into a family of sweepers,
Renu learned the ways of sweeping the streets and keeping the city clean from her
mother and brother. It was a humble lineage that filled her with a sense of purpose.
But her life in Kashi was far from placid waters of The Ganga, as one evening, her world
completely turned upside down. Her husband, consumed by his own demons, made the
heartbreaking decision to walk away, leaving Renu in the hands of single motherhood.
As if that weren't enough, fate dealt another blow when her brother, her confidant and
pillar of strength, passed away in a sudden tragedy. With his demise, she found herself
thrust into the role of caregiver for his orphaned children.
Determined to carve out a better future for herself and her family, she seized the
opportunity to enroll in the prestigious Harpic World Toilet College. Here, she honed her
skills in sanitation practices, mastering her profession with diligence and dedication.
Impressed by Renu's remarkable performance and selflessness, the organization
generously invested in the children's education, enlisting them into a reputable school
where they could pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Watching the evening aarti on the Ghats of Varanasi, Renu says, “Sanitation was always
something I had known, a duty passed down through generations. But education at the
Harpic World Toilet College just changed my life forever.”

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Manipur’s
Matriarch
I B E M C H A
K H U N D R A K P A M , M A N I P U R
A M O T H E R ’ S T R U E W E A L T H I S T H E H E A L T H O F
H E R F A M I L Y . A N A T I O N ' S T R U E W E A L T H L I E S
I N T H E H E A L T H O F I T S P E O P L E
Against the quiet and rustic mornings of Khundrakpam in Manipur,
Ibemcha stands as a unique symbol of strength as her family’s
matriarch. Holding a broom, she quietly carries the hope of her family's
future in her hands as a dedicated sanitation worker in Imphal.
Juggling the responsibilities of her job with the endless duties of
motherhood, Ibemcha has been working day and night to ensure that
her children get the education and the opportunities they deserve.
But Ibemcha's dedication extends far beyond the walls of her own
household. Whether it is sweeping the streets, clearing garbage,
scrubbing tiles or promoting sanitation awareness among her
neighbours, she approaches her work with a deep sense of duty.
Her efforts, however small they may seem, are not without a word of
gratitude for the opportunity she has received - to guard the health of
her community. When the day's work is done, Ibemcha takes the
familiar path back to her hut in Khundrakpam, knowing that every
effort she is making is contributing to the greater good of her nation.

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Nursing
the Next
S U K H M A N I D A S
R A N C H I , C H A T T I S G A R H
“ W I T H O N E H A N D , I H E L D O N T O H O P E A N D I T
L E D M E T O P U B L I C H E A L T H . ”
Once upon a time, Sukhmani Das walked the corridors of a local hospital in Ranchi as
a devoted nurse. Her reassuring smile brought solace to the patients under her care.
Her days were spent tending to the sick and injured, her nights ﬁlled with the quiet
hum of machines and monitors. But it was not to be forever.
Life took an unfortunate turn, when Sukhmani suffered both paralysis and memory
loss in one cruel blow. The once cheerful nurse now lay bedridden, unable to move
one hand. Even in the depths of despair, Sukhmani refused to give in to hopelessness.
With all that the physical and emotional toll, she still wanted to care for others.
Thanks to her steadfast determination, she embraced a new role as a sanitation
worker. Her sanitation life slowly gave her a rhythm of a routine, while her fellow
women sanitation workers cheered her on. Continuing with her duties with
single-handed determination, she started seeing paralysis less as a weakness, and
more as a cornerstone of courage.
Today, as a public health champion, Sukhmani plays a crucial role in disinfecting
public spaces, emptying waste bins, and maintaining hygiene standards within her
community. In retrospect, hers may have been a decision born out of necessity, but it
was driven by a deep desire to continue serving her community which she wears like
a badge of honour. Sukhmani has proven that true strength lies not in the absence of
weakness, but in the ability to rise above it.

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One clean
toilet at
a time
R I M P Y
J A M M U
P E O P L E M A Y S E E M E A S A T O I L E T C L E A N E R ,
B U T I S E E M Y S E L F A S A G U A R D I A N O F H E A L T H
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Onward
and
Upward
T H E P A T H T O G R E A T N E S S I S P A V E D W I T H
S A C R I F I C E , A N D I W A L K I T W I T H P R I D E
R O Z A N G U A L I
M I Z O R A M
A young girl growing up in Mizoram, Rozanguali embarked on her academic pursuit,
eager to soak in the knowledge and experiences that awaited her at her school at
Aizwal. However, Rozanguali's path to education was not without obstacles. As she
approached the milestone of completing the 10th grade,
Rozanguali was faced with familial and ﬁnancial responsibilities. It was at this
crossroad that she made the difﬁcult decision to leave formal education behind and
enter the workforce.
As a resilient Mizo family member, she has been playing dual roles since 2022 - that of
a dedicated toilet cleaner and of a thriving local hawker. With every sweep at the
public toilets and every sale at her stall at the bazaar, she forges ahead, determined
to carve out a better life for herself and her loved ones.
She performs this daily balancing act with full sincerity, so that the needs of her
family are met, the comforts of home are tended to, and that her brother and her
mother can spend their days with love and warmth.
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Pride
over
Prejudice
S H E E T A L
C U T T A C K , O D I S H A
F O R O N C E I H A V E A J O B T H A T R E C O G N I S E S
M E O N T H E B A S I S O F M Y W O R K A N D N O T M Y
I D E N T I T Y
Despite Cuttack city's prestigious silvery lineage, Sheetal Bastia's life was far
from privileged. Born into a world that often struggles to understand diversity,
Sheetal grew up with the identity of being a transgender. As time passed, every
day of hers was marked with judgmental stares, loud taunts, and cruel remarks,
leaving her feeling like a stranger in her own skin.
But she looked prejudice straight in the eye. With self-belief and self-respect,
Sheetal rejected begging and sex work, choosing instead to join forces with her
peers under the leadership of Manju Didi. Together, they formed the 'Bahuchara
TG Group', which was a step towards transgender individuals striving for dignity
and acceptance.When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Sheetal
emerged as the group's new dynamic secretary. In the face of adversity, she
found purpose and meaning in the GARIMA Scheme, embracing the role of a
sanitation worker with unwavering dedication.
Each day, Sheetal dons her uniform with pride, her hands and heart committed to
the noble task of fecal sludge management. Through her tireless efforts, she not
only earns a monthly income of 12,000 rupees but also gives dignity a new
meaning. For Sheetal, her quest for personal triumph transcends mere success –
it is a ray of hope, a luminary path for transgender empowerment in the ﬁeld of
sanitation.

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Quest for
Stability
S E E N A T H
E R N A K U L A M , K E R A L A
F O R O N C E I H A V E A J O B T H A T R E C O G N I S E S
M E O N T H E B A S I S O F M Y W O R K A N D N O T M Y
I D E N T I T Y
In God’s Own Country, Kerala, Seenath’s dedication towards her sanitation duties is
nothing short of worship. At the age of 50, her broom is not just a tool to make a living,
it’s her lifeline. Stable and secure as she may seem today, life was not always rosy for
Seenath. After losing one of her son’s to illness and her husband to alcoholism, she
was left with no choice but to shoulder the responsibility of providing for her family.
Refusing defeath, Seenath embraced her role as the sole breadwinner
with resilience and determination.
Amidst the challenges she faced, Seenath remained steadfast in her resolve to secure
her surviving son’s education and meet her husband’s mounting medical bills. Her
unwavering dedication to her family’s well-being propelled her down the path of
community health and hygiene.
For Seenath, every swept ﬂoor symbolizes a step toward familial stability—a silent
victory in the face of adversity that has not gone unnoticed.

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P A R M E S H W A R I
T R I C H Y , T A M I L N A D U
E V E R Y S T E P T O W A R D S E N D I N G O P E N
D E F E C A T I O N I S A S T E P T O W A R D S B U I L D I N G
H E A L T H I E R C O M M U N I T I E S
On an ordinary day, one can ﬁnd a busy looking Parmeshwari serving up customers in
the historic temple town of Trichy in Tamil Nadu. Wearing a simple cotton saree with
her curly white hair, Parmeshwari lives two lives. Running a meat stall with her
husband, she instantly doubles up as a female de-sludging operator (DSO) at Bharathi
Street, when sanitation duties call.
With three decades of dedicated service to the public health industry, Parmeshwari is
at the forefront of revolutionising the city’s sanitation services. Adopting an unusual
but noble profession, she runs a company that works towards abolishing open
defecation and creating a sustainable community toilet network. Despite facing
societal stigma and judgmental stares, Parmeshwari remains unwavering in her
mission. Today, Tiruchi boasts of an underground drainage system, waste
transportation and treatment facilities, all thanks to the efforts of sanitation veterans
like Parmeshwari.
As Parameshwari reﬂects on her journey, she shares a poignant sentiment, When I
see my kids settled, all the judgmental looks, and small-mindedness of people
vanishes. I have managed to give my kids a good future, I have contributed to this
nation, now nothing else matters.
Revolution
in Sanitation

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Resolute in
Resilience
M A N G A L A B A I
A U R A N G A B A D , M A H A R A S H T R A A
In a time where children played with toys, Mangalbai’s childhood saw only poverty
and homelessness for companionship. Brought up in Aurangabad, Maharashtra life
forced her to become an adult at the delicate age of 12.
She was not only married early, but also had to take care of an infant when she was
not very old herself. Resolute to end her days of despair, she entered the sanitation
force by seeking employment at the Nagar Palika of Aurangabad. Her initial role,
secured through earnest appeal, was a modest sanitation assignment that was
compensated with a meager salary of 300 rupees per month.
Sweeping her days away, she earned well deserving promotions along with applause
from her seniors. “The trust Nagar Palika has shown in me has brought me where I
am today”, says a humble Mangalbai. Given her diligence towards her duties,
Mangalbai’s responsibilities as a sanitation worker have increased over the years. She
proudly throws herself into her work every single day, dedicating long hours to
ensure cleanliness and hygiene on Aurangabad's streets. A shining example of
resilience, Mangalbai’s story shows the power women carry to defy all odds and
rewrite their destinies.
E V E R Y S T E P T O W A R D S E N D I N G O P E N
D E F E C A T I O N I S A S T E P T O W A R D S B U I L D I N G
H E A L T H I E R C O M M U N I T I E S

0 4 7
Stride for
Sanitation
C H A M P A
G U W A H A T I , A S S A M
0 4 8
In the heart of Assam, surrounded by the lush tea gardens, Champa and her husband
devote themselves to the role of sanitation, diligently tending to public toilets in
Guwahati every single day. The only daughter among ﬁve siblings, Champa saw the
struggle of her mother and grandmother to support the family when her father lost
his job as a railway electrician.
At the brink of ﬁnancial ruin, she was determined to reverse what fate had in store for
her. Seeking a role with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, she dedicatedly cleans
public toilets daily. Through rain or shine, she stands as beacons of service, ensuring
the health and hygiene in her beloved city.
Often overlooked, her contributions are not without discrimination. Friends and
relatives, accustomed to societal norms that dictate certain professions as more
prestigious than others, fail to grasp the dignity and importance of her work as a
sanitation worker. Yet, amidst the challenges and prejudices, Champa continues to
make strides for sanitation, well knowing that her efforts are contributing to a
healthier India for everyone.
T H E T R U E E S S E N C E O F S E R V I C E L I E S I N T H E
W I L L I N G N E S S T O D O W H A T O T H E R S M A Y S H Y
A W A Y F R O M

0 5 0
0 4 9
Sweeping
Success
D O L L Y
R A N C H I , J H A R K H A N D
F R O M T H E G R I M E O F T H E C I T Y , I H A V E B U I L T
A G A R D E N O F D R E A M S F O R M Y F A M I L Y
In the bustling cityscape of Ranchi, Dolly and her husband dedicate
themselves to the sanitation sector, their hands diligently scrubbing
away the grime of urban life to support their family. Despite facing
barriers to her own education, Dolly's determination burns bright as
she channels all her earnings into ensuring her children have access
to quality education. “I have been on a mission to secure my
children’s future and I am thankful to the employment opportunities
I have received in the ﬁeld of sanitation”, says Dolly.
Rising from the shackles of poverty, Dolly now stands tall with
resilience and hope, managing a thriving household with both grace
and gratitude. Each day, as she navigates the challenges of her
profession, she is fueled by the knowledge that her hard work has
opened doors for her family, offering opportunities they could only
dream of before. In her journey from adversity to achievement, Dolly
embodies the transformative power of perseverance.

0 5 2
0 5 1
Two Roles
One Motto
In the land of the mighty Siang river and hanging bridges, Gayatri Raito's story flows
replete with self-belief. Despite limited education opportunities, she embarked on her
humble journey as a house helper. Fortune indeed favours the brave, as her Uncle put
her in touch with the Municipal Council, where she transformed into a public
sanitation warrior.
Gayatri's choice of profession is indeed unusual, as the hard, physical labour involved
in sanitation services typically dissuades women from entering the field. Yet, she has
exhibited exemplary strength in rising to the challenge. Today, Gayatri is an
indispensable member of the Pasighat Municipal Council, juggling two critical roles:
one as a dedicated toilet cleaner and the other as a diligent street sweeper.
Whether it's clearing a clogged drain or sweeping away debris, each task contributes
to our community's well-being, she adds, emphasizing the significance of her work.
Alongside her husband, who serves in the church, Gayatri provides for their two
children, showcasing the resilience and dignity inherent in her work as a sanitation
worker. Her unwavering commitment not only ensures the cleanliness and hygiene of
Pasighat's streets but also serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with
determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and carve out a path
of success and fulfillment.
G A Y A T R I R A I T O
P A S I G H A T , A R U N A C H A L P R A D E S H
B E I T T O I L E T C L E A N I N G O R S W E E P I N G ,
C L E A N L I N E S S R E M A I N S T H E O N E S I N G L E
M I S S I O N T H A T D R I V E S M E

0 5 4
0 5 3
Triumph
of Toil
K A V I T H A
P O N D I C H E R R Y
I M A Y H A V E S T A R T E D W I T H N O T H I N G , B U T
I ' V E B U I L T S O M E T H I N G E N D U R I N G A N D
M E A N I N G F U L
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KXVEDQGKHUPHQWRUWXUQHGOLIHSDUWQHUZLWKZKRPVKHODXQFKHGDKRXVHNHHSLQJ
enterprise.
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VDQLWDWLRQLQGXVWULWOLHVLQWKHVKHKDVWRXFKHGDQGXSOLIWHG

0 5 6
0 5 5
Unsullied
and
Undefeated
U S H A
A L W A R , R A J A S T H A N
M Y P A S T M A Y H A V E B E E N U N T O U C H A B L E , B U T
M Y F U T U R E I S L I M I T L E S S
“Earlier, we were looked down upon so much that they called me different
names like bhangi, or zamadaar. They never used my real name. Now they
call me Usha, Ushaji, or Madamji. But before Sulabh it was not like that.”
Belonging to the fort city of Alwar, Usha stands the test of time with the
resilience no less than that of a fort. Rising from the ashes of ‘untouchability’,
hers is a saga that is unlike any other. She was leading a stigmatized life of a
manual scavenger, till her paths crossed with the founder of Sulabh
International, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
Catalysing a massive change, he brought Usha and her peers to Delhi,
teaching them the principles of personal and public hygiene with a respect
earlier unknown to them. He explained to them the importance of breaking
the chain of inheriting an occupation based on caste and about learning
alternate livelihood skills to build a life based on self-dignity.
Today, as the President of Sulabh Social International, Usha's name has
become synonymous with empowerment. Her efforts have received
recognition and she has been conferred the Padma Shri in 2020 for her social
work. Usha inspires many. She calls her journey to empowerment as ‘second
life’ and attributes it to Dr Pathak.

0 5 8
0 5 7
Unshackling
Untouchability
N A G A M A N I
M Y S O R E , K A R N A T A K A
I N A W O R L D F U L L O F P R E J U D I C E , I C H O S E T O
B E A F O R C E O F C H A N G E , B R E A K I N G B A R R I E R S
A N D R E W R I T I N G M Y O W N N A R R A T I V E
Born into a lineage of cleaners, Nagamani emerges like a golden pillar of strength, as
formidable as the Mysore Palace. Breaking the shackles of poverty and untouchability,
she doubled her salary in a year with sheer toil. Battling the indignities of society, she
shouldered the responsibility as her family's sole breadwinner. She even supported
her brother’s marriage and helped six other women gain employment in the sanitation
sector. Today, Nagamani successfully carries forth her family legacy with dignity and
the spirit of sanitation, but it was not always so.
Like other children of higher castes, she wanted to go to school but her mother used
to ask her, What is the point of studying?” She brieﬂy went to a school but faced
severe stigma and discrimination. Because of her family’s occupation, she was labeled
as untouchable. So, no child would mingle or sit next to her. They would keep a
distance from her and frequently bullied her. Her complaints fell on deaf ears. So, she
stopped going to school and started to help her mother with sanitation work,
accepting that as her fate.
Despite the adversity, Nagamani's spirit remained unbroken. With each day spent
toiling alongside her mother, she found strength in the resilience of her family's
legacy. “I may not have gotten a chance to study, but I still put food on the table, a roof
over our heads and live a life with dignity, says Nagamani with pride.

0 6 0
0 5 9
R A S I K A K H A N D E P A R K A R
G O A
T H E V I L L A G E I S O U R H O M E A N D I T I S O U R
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y T O K E E P O U R H O M E S C L E A N
A N D H Y G I E N I C
It was only last year when Rasika beamed with pride as President of India
Droupadi Murmu and the Union Minister of Jal Shakti presented her with the
Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman. Hailing from the land of pristine beaches, it is no
surprise that Rasika felt deeply repulsed with the level of uncleanliness and
strewn plastic in her village of Pissurlem, Goa.
Proactively taking on the responsibility of a village vanguard, she started public
awareness campaigns and smaller household engagement programs to instill
the practice of waste segregation and waste management. Slowly but surely,
villagers started to take notice and actively participate in her cleanliness
drives.“Cleanliness isn't just a habit; it's a reﬂection of our values and respect
for our surroundings.” adds Rasika.
Serving as a proud Swacchagrahi, Rasika's leadership earned her the respect
and admiration of her fellow villagers. Through her endeavours, she not only
transformed the landscape of her village but also ignited a spark of inspiration
that continues to ripple throughout the Goan community.
It’s true when they say, it takes a woman to educate a whole village. As the
village panchayat today, Rasika is on a mission of change, steering her village
in North Goa towards a cleaner, greener future.
Village
Vanguard

0 6 2
0 6 1
Voyage of
Valour
P R I Y A N K A M O T H E Y
G U W A H A T I , A S S A M
I O W E S O M U C H T O T H E S A N I T A T I O N
P R O F E S S I O N ; I T H A S B E E N M Y L I F E L I N E
T H R O U G H T H E T O U G H E S T O F T I M E S
Priyanka Mothey's story is one of resilience and fortitude. As a
dedicated toilet cleaner for the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, she
faces each day as a resolute toilet cleaner. “The journey may be
tough, but so am I. I'll keep moving forward, one step at a time,” adds
Priyanka. With her husband's sudden demise in a tragic accident,
Priyanka found herself thrust into the role of sole breadwinner for
her household of six, including her two daughters, her husband's
brother, and his wife.
Rising from overwhelming grief and newfound responsibilities,
Priyanka stands undaunted, her determination unshaken in the face
of adversity. Each day, she dons her uniform and her cap with pride,
braving the harsh realities of her profession to ensure that her
family's needs are met.
Through life’s ups and downs, Priyanka's resolve remains steadfast,
guiding her through the darkest of times. The road may be long and
arduous, but Priyanka emerges victorious, not just in her ability to
support her family, but also in her spirit to carve out a better future
for herself and her loved ones.

0 6 4
0 6 3
Waste to
Wonder
S H A K T I A T T R I
D H A R A M S H A L A , H I M A C H A L P R A D E S H
B Y M A K I N G B R I C K S O F P L A S T I C , W E A R E
S H A P I N G A T O M O R R O W W H E R E I N N O V A T I O N
M E E T S S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
As her name suggests, Shakti Attri bears within her the might of the Himalayas.
Revered for her compelling leadership in Dev Bhoomi, she spearheads the Gramin
Mahila Mandal with unwavering conviction. Taking all the village women under her
able wing, she began her one-of-a-kind waste management initiative in
Dharamshala. With skilled hands that weave dreams from discarded waste, Shakti
transforms plastic into a symbol of hope and innovation.
In her visionary initiative, plastic ﬁnds new life as bricks, destined to shape the
future of her village. From colorful garden benches that invite weary travelers for a
moment of rest to durable school ﬁxtures that inspire young minds, Shakti's
creations breathe life into the mundane.
But her impact extends beyond aesthetic value. Shakti's crusade transcends the
boundaries of cleanliness; it's a rallying cry for environmental stewardship. With
each recycled bottle, she champions sustainability, forging a path towards a
greener tomorrow.
At the helm of her mission, Shakti embodies the essence of leadership. Through her
unwavering conviction and compelling vision, she unites women and youth in a
shared journey towards a more sustainable future. Her message is clear and
potent, “Embrace cleanliness, cherish the environment, and together, we can carve
a brighter path for generations to come.”

0 6 6
0 6 5
Warrior
of Waste
S U S H I L A S A B L E
M U M B A I , M A H A R A S T R A
T H E N E X T G E N E R A T I O N O F O U R S S H O U L D N O T H A V E T O
G O T H R O U G H , T H R O U G H W H I C H W E H A V E B E E N .
E V E R Y O N E S H O U L D H A V E R E S P E C T A B L E L I V E S A N D
H U M A N S S H O U L D T R E A T O T H E R H U M A N S L I K E H U M A N S
Sushila Sable was only 10 years old when she and her mother left their village in
search of a better life and found home on the streets of City Maximum, Mumbai. The
city with one of the highest cost of living in the world, pushed them into poverty and
they had to collect waste to make their ends meet.
20 years later, she met volunteers from Stree Mukti Sanghatana, an NGO educating
waste pickers on the importance of segregating waste for better returns. Inspired,
Sushila formed a self-help group and established a dry waste collection center,
kickstarting her environmental journey.
Realizing the financial and environmental benefits of waste segregation, Sushila
became a champion for the cause. Well knowing the importance of financial literacy in
marginalised communities, she became a guiding light for her peers, offering
invaluable advice on savings and investment strategies. Through her financial
assistance programs, she provided a lifeline to those in need, ensuring that no one
was left behind in their journey towards economic independence.
Today, as the elected president of the Indian Waste Picker Society, Sushila represents
India at global forums like the UN Framework for Climate Change, advocating for the
pivotal role of waste pickers in combating climate change. She remains dedicated to
her mission, serving as a lighthouse of hope and inspiration for women.

0 6 8
0 6 7
Xtreme
Height of
Courage
T S E R I N G C H O N D O L
L E H
N O M O U N T A I N H A S
E V E R B E E N T A L L F O R M E
Tsering's story is rooted in the rugged terrain of Sakti, a village
cradled by the sweeping landscapes near Leh. More than a
journey of physical conquest, she embodies the relentless human
spirit. Battling a tough start, Tsering was born with physical
constraints that impacted her mobility as a child.
Overcoming odds, she sought a role of sweeping the streets and
maintaining public facilities clean. Day after day, she upholds her
modest job of ensuring public hygiene with great dedication.
When her duties as a sanitation champion are done, one can ﬁnd
her doling out warmth in cups of tea and bowls of Maggi at the
Pagir Cafe of Leh.
That’s not all; her courage has taken her to newer heights. It is
worth mentioning that she scaled the formidable Stok Kangri
peak, representing the Tricolor of India at over 6,000 meters in
the Paralympics. A toilet cleaner, a mountain climber, a public
health champion, a true patriot - she is as resilient as the
mountains that surround her.

0 7 0
0 6 9
Years of
Legacy
K A M L E S H
B H O P A L , M A D H Y A P R A D E S H
S E R V I C E I S S E R V I C E . I A M A T O I L E T C L E A N E R , A
S W E E P E R , A W A S T E P I C K E R , A G A R B A G E S E G R E G A T O R
A N D I ’ M P R O U D O F I T A L L
There are many streams to the legacy Kamlesh has built over the years in the lake
city of Bhopal. From the humble task of sweeping the streets to picking up waste to
segregating it, Kamlesh embodies the essence of sanitation service in all its forms.
With each hat she wears, she not only cleans the physical debris littering the streets
but also sweeps away the societal prejudices that seek to tarnish the dignity of her
profession.
After the passing of her husband to cardiac arrest, it was all on Kamlesh to
reconstruct a life for herself and her joint family. Steering through societal stigma she
stuck to her path with a broom, and a scrub ensuring cleanliness for her community.
Now, in the twilight of her years, Kamlesh stands as a silent yet formidable force in
Bhopal's quest for cleanliness. Her tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in
securing the city's prestigious ranking as the 5th cleanest city in India, a testament to
her legacy of service and dedication.

0 7 2
0 7 1
Zeroing in
on change
K A M A L A M
M A N I K A N D A M , T A M I L N A D U
H A R P I C W O R L D T O I L E T C O L L E G E D I D N ' T J U S T
T E A C H M E S K I L L S ; I T I N S T I L L E D I N M E T H E B E L I E F
T H A T A N Y P E R S O N C A N M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E , N O
M A T T E R H O W H U M B L E T H E I R B E G I N N I N G S
In the rustic environs of Manikandam, a quaint village in the heart of Tamil Nadu,
Kamalam was assigned male at birth. Facing a childhood marked with financial and
societal distress, Kamalam's defining moment came at the tender age of sixteen, when
she finally embraced her female identity with arms wide open.
Inspired by her newfound sense of authenticity and identity, she was resolute to
change the poor condition of her village community toilets. It was here that she took
her first steps as a sanitation volunteer, advocating safe sanitation practices. Her
dedication caught the attention of the Harpic World Toilet College, where she honed
her expertise, rising as a sanitation professional and a torchbearer of empowerment
for her community.
Under the guidance of seasoned experts, she learnt the practices of sanitation
management, advanced techniques for waste disposal, hygiene promotion, and
community engagement. Additionally, she received specialized training in water
conservation practices, understanding the vital role of clean water in maintaining
public health.
Today, Kamalam stands as a community trainer under the CWIS banner of the Tamil
Nadu Urban Sanitation Program with pride. But her journey of empowerment doesn't
end there. Upholding her roots with a commitment to her cultural heritage, Kamalam
has taken on the revered role of a temple priest in her village, bridging the gap
between tradition and modernity with grace and dignity.

MESSAGE
OF HOPE
Each page in this book is a testament to the strength
within every woman, resonating with the universal truth
that empowerment knows no boundaries. As we bid
farewell to these remarkable women, their stories linger,
reminding us that every journey towards empowerment
is a shared one – of hope for generations to come.

Coffee Table Book - CTB from Mission Swatchtha and Paani

Coffee Table Book - CTB from Mission Swatchtha and Paani

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Coffee Table Book - CTB from Mission Swatchtha and Paani