This Durga Ashthmi which was celebrated on 09th October 2016, we gave a minor twist to 'Kanjak Puja'.....on a last minute thought.
It just struck that since we connect with few local young girl kids from nearby slums, when we invite five/eight girls for puja/offerings ......this time why not take this short opportunity and connect with them on SWACH BHARAT.
So we told the five girl kids who had come over, that they will get gifts for which they should share how they contribute at home to maintain cleanliness and self-hygiene. Also told that they may get gifts for good manners they observe in this brief interaction. The girls were excited and bubbling to share, though they mainly repeated what the first, the eldest of them said....like get up in the morning - first wash our face and brush our teeth, take a bath, help at home in mopping, dusting and cleaning the house. My wife Vimmi, who was watching till now also joined in, telling them the importance of washing their hands frequently, especially when they eat or use toilet. After this brief exchange those who finished the Poori Chana and Halwa offerings were praised, as one should not waste food. Also the one who asked for dustbin to throw tissue and kept the water-glass/plate in the sink was appreciated for good manners. This followed with surprise gifts to them out of our existing stock in hand of mini toiletries at home (saved/collected from our visits to hotels/resorts on vacations) like mini soaps, toothbrush/paste kit, etc. The girl with properly combed and maintained hair was given a beautiful comb besides kids being given candies/sweets for any good manner/etiquette shown.
At the end of the 45 minutes show we had fully charged girls who said that they are looking forward to coming again for such Asthmi Puja ...that was a surprise return gift for us :)
......So friends such small connects of 5 to 8 girls in various households across India can definitely generate awareness about SWACH BHARAT...a Clean n Healthy India, at hardly any additional cost but a little thought and effort.....So just try it out or something better (missed out on taking pics. probably that would have added punch to the above message)
