In a powerful tribute to India's often-overlooked sanitation workforce, global health and hygiene leader Reckitt marked World Toilet Day with the launch of six commemorative postage stamps. This historic initiative, part of the Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign, aims to recognize the dignity, resilience, and indispensable contribution of sanitation workers to the nation's cleanliness and public health.
Bridging the Dignity Gap for Sanitation Heroes
The commemorative stamps represent more than just symbolic recognition—they serve as a national statement acknowledging that true development extends beyond economic indicators to encompass the health, dignity, and well-being of every citizen. This initiative aligns with the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas", emphasizing collective effort in India's progress.
For over a decade, Reckitt has supported the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing not only on infrastructure development but also on behavioral change, operations, and maintenance—critical investments that create lasting impact across communities.
Transforming Lives Through Education and Empowerment
The stark reality facing India's sanitation workers underscores the urgency of this initiative. These essential workers face a life expectancy of just 45 years—a shocking 30-year gap compared to the average citizen's 75 years. This disparity highlights systemic inequities affecting those who perform hazardous work crucial to public health.
Through the Harpic World Toilet College (HWTC) initiative, Reckitt is actively working to bridge this gap by empowering sanitation workers with skills, safety practices, and dignity. Since 2018, HWTC has trained over 1 lakh sanitation workers, equipping them with technical knowledge, life skills, and access to safer, more dignified livelihoods.
Inspiring Stories of Transformation
The six commemorative stamps honor sanitation workers whose lives were transformed through Harpic World Toilet College:
Jaswinder Kaur from Patiala, a breast cancer survivor who rebuilt her life and now ensures clean, safe government school toilets for children.
Sital Bastia from Cuttack, who found dignity and purpose through WTC training and now manages a Septage Treatment Plant.
Sunil Kapursing Siraswal from Sambhajinagar transformed from a daily-wage manhole cleaner to a community leader advocating mechanized sanitation through his Swachhta Ratna Purush Bachat Gat self-help group.
Arati Naik from Bhubaneswar moved from years of unstable work to a secure sanitation role, regaining confidence and building a stable future for her children.
Kuku Ram from Patiala balances his sanitation work with being an international bodybuilding champion, supported by WTC to pursue his dreams and represent India globally.
Shushil Kumar from Varanasi broke generational barriers as the first in seven generations to attend school, becoming a community role model advocating education and hygiene.
Leadership Perspectives on National Recognition
Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President of Reckitt – South Asia, emphasized the company's commitment: "At Reckitt, we believe everyone has a right to good health and hygiene. Sanitation workers are the backbone of India's hygiene ecosystem. They protect our communities, safeguard our cities, and uphold the nation's health every single day."
Jack Sim, Founder & Director of World Toilet Organisation, praised the initiative: "Honouring sanitation workers through commemorative postage stamps is a meaningful step towards recognising their contribution to public health. India is setting an important example by valuing those who safeguard sanitation on the frontlines."
Building a Skilled Sanitation Ecosystem
The Harpic World Toilet Colleges were specifically created to strengthen India's sanitation ecosystem by building skilled, confident, and well-informed sanitation professionals. Beyond technical training, these institutions equip workers with essential life skills, safety practices, and practical knowledge that enable them to drive positive changes in their communities.
By enhancing both capability and confidence, the Harpic World Toilet Colleges are helping elevate sanitation standards across the country while breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and discrimination.
The launch of these commemorative postage stamps reflects Reckitt's continued efforts to uplift those at the heart of India's sanitation system. By spotlighting their stories nationally, Dettol Banega Swasth India continues to champion dignity and inclusion for every sanitation worker, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable India for generations to come.
