Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 19 2009:
As in other parts of the globe, World Toilet Day was also observed in Manipur today to raise awareness on sanitation among the people.
Observed under the theme of 'A good toilet can save your child', the main function was held under the aegis of IKON Foundation at Ibudhou Khamlangba Shanglen, Sagolband Moirang Leirak.
On the spot painting competition for school children of primary to class VIII level and presentation of a short play to spread the message on the importance of using sanitary were the main highlights of the observance.
Adhyaksha of Imphal West Zilla Parishad S Subhaschandra Singh; Chairperson of District Level Water and Sanitation Committee, Imphal West A Kirankumar and Member Secretary of the District Level Water and Sanitation Committee A Nikunja Singh respectively graced the observance as chief guest, functional president and guest of honour.
Giving the key note address, general secretary of IKON Foundation K Chandrasekhar Singh pointed out that contaminated water and unhygienic toilet are the root causes of various diseases afflicting the people in the society.
There are 2.5 million people in the world who do not have access to sanitary toilet.
The number of people in Manipur who have accessed to sanitary toilet is also still very low and it is more particularly so in the rural area.
So the World Toilet Day is being organised with the main objective of spreading awareness on the need and importance of sanitary toilet among the people, he added.
In the painting competition which was organised as part of the observance, Sony Soram (Class IV) of Shantilata Memorial School won the first prize while Sonia Thiyam (Class VII) of Maria Montessori Senior Secondary School and Soram Sanathoi (Class VIII) of St Joseph School secured the second and third prizes respectively.