A Vision for WASH-Friendly Schools

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On March 12, 2025, the Integrated Multipurpose Hall in Pakyong, Sikkim, became the stage for a celebration of progress, purpose, and partnership as the Sulabh Alkem Award Ceremony 2025 took place. The event honoured outstanding achievements under Project AagazPlus, a collaborative initiative led by Sulabh Sanitation Club and Alkem Foundation, in association with the Education Department, Government of Sikkim.

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The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, who also inaugurated the Integrated Multipurpose Community Hall—a CSR initiative supported by the Airports Authority of India.

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Transforming Schools through Project AagazPlus

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Launched five years ago, Project AagazPlus was designed to embed sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices within the school ecosystem, especially in underserved regions of Sikkim. The program integrated simple, yet impactful habits like handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, and improved sanitation infrastructure into students’ everyday routines.

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This initiative went beyond infrastructure. It formed student-led health and sanitation clubs, trained safai karamcharis, and upgraded facilities such as girls' changing rooms—making schools not only cleaner, but more inclusive and safer for adolescent girls.

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The project reached 11 schools across Soreng, Pakyong, East, and South Sikkim, directly impacting 2,997 beneficiaries, including 1,920 adolescent girls, 850 boys, and 42 sanitation workers.

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Words of Encouragement from the Governor

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In his keynote address, Governor Om Prakash Mathur lauded the transformative nature of the initiative, noting that instilling hygiene habits among students paves the way for healthier lives. He praised the creation of Period-Friendly Toilets and refurbishment of girls’ changing rooms as vital for encouraging school attendance among young girls.

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He also acknowledged the role of national and state-led missions, including the Swachh Bharat Mission and “Mero Rukh Mero Santati”. He applauded Sikkim’s early leadership in banning plastic and setting green examples for other states.

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Stakeholder Support and Leadership

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The event brought together key dignitaries and supporters of the initiative, including:

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• Mr. Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, and Allied Services

• Ms. Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadhyaksha, Pakyong

• Mr. Rohan Ramesh Agawane, District Collector, Pakyong

• Ms. Dhan Maya Subba, SP, Pakyong

• Mr. Robin Pd Sewa, ADC (Development)

• Mr. Narayan Mishra, CEO, Education Department

• Mr. Shirish Meshramkar, Senior General Manager, Alkem Labs Pvt. Ltd.

• Dr. Prem Kumar, Chairman, Sulabh International School of Action Sociology

 

They echoed a shared commitment to sustaining such impactful sanitation initiatives through long-term collaboration and policy support.

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Voices from the Ground

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Firsthand experiences shared by Ms. Poonam Pradhan (Joint Director, Education Department), Mr. Santosh Chettri (Principal, Government Sr. Sec. School, Dikchu), and student Ms. Ayesha Khatun from PM Shri Government Girls Sr. Sec. School, Deorali, revealed the powerful impact of AagazPlus. Students expressed pride in their transformed school environments, while educators highlighted how better facilities and hygiene awareness had boosted attendance and morale.

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Recognising the Changemakers

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The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sulabh Alkem Awards 2025, recognising the dedication of schools, teachers, and students who championed WASH efforts across the state.

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The Best Performing School Award was presented to Government Secondary School, Dalapchand, for its exemplary hygiene model.

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Four teachers were honoured as Best Teachers for their commitment to guiding students and upholding hygiene standards:

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Ruchi Thapa (Machong), Aquino Sharma (Mamring), Karma Kunsang Tamang (Soreng), and Santosh Chettri (Dikchu).

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The Best Volunteers Award was given to four remarkable students who played leadership roles in their schools’ sanitation efforts:

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Ayesha Khatun (Deorali), Ayogita Sharma (Machong), Ayush Thapa (Soreng), and Ujal Ramudamu (Yangyang).

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A Step Toward a Healthier Tomorrow

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The Sulabh Alkem Award Ceremony 2025 was not just a celebration of achievements—it was a powerful reminder of what collaboration, education, and community-driven action can accomplish. With support from local and national stakeholders, Sulabh Sanitation Club and Alkem Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to building a generation that values hygiene, health, and dignity.

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The journey continues, but with every student who learns to wash their hands, every girl who feels safe in school, and every teacher who empowers change, the future becomes a little brighter—and a lot cleaner.