S M Sehgal Foundation Organized Street Play on WASH Initiatives

Under the Uttam Gram Initiative (UGI) program, S M Sehgal Foundation organized an awareness program on “Behavioral Changes in Sanitation” in Behripur and Gujjarpur Khurd villages in Ramgarh block, Alwar, Rajasthan on February 18 and 19, 2025. The initiative aimed to enhance community awareness on sanitation and hygiene through an engaging and interactive medium: Nukkad Natak (street play). The play was performed by students from the National School of Drama (NSD), the street play powerfully conveyed essential WASH (Water,Sanitation, and Hygiene) messages, covering safe drinking water, toilet management (solid & liquid waste), handwashing, and menstrual hygiene. Over 900 community members participated in the two-day event, with two shows held in each village including Sarpanch Ahmed Jubair, School Principal Ashok Goyal, Village Development Committee, and School Management Committee members.

Dr. Vikas Jha, Principal Lead, Local Participation and Sustainability, S M Sehgal Foundation shared that “Nukkad Natak is a powerful medium of communication that uses live performance in public spaces to spread awareness, and engage communities on social issues. We highlighted real community challenges and practical solutions. Such behavior-change communication efforts encourage people to adopt best practices for a healthier and more sustainable future. At the end of the play, participants took a pledge to incorporate these practices into their daily lives."

To ensure wider participation, local community radio Connect FM 107.8 actively supported the initiative by making announcements and spreading information about the entertaining and educating street play shows for maximum outreach.

About S M Sehgal Foundation:

S M Sehgal Foundation has worked for twenty-five years to improve lives in rural India by addressing critical issues such as food security, water security, and strengthening community-led development initiatives across rural India. Operating across thirteen states and more than 2,847 villages, the foundation has reached 5.73 million people with its mission to drive social, economic, and environmental change through efforts in water management, agricultural development, and transforming the lives of schoolchildren. S M Sehgal Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in rural communities.

For more information, contact: communications@smsfoundation.org