Reckitt, in partnership with Jagran Pehal and PVR Nest, marked Children’s Day 2025 with a vibrant and culturally rich celebration at PVR Plaza, Connaught Place. Organised under Reckitt’s flagship public health initiative, Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI), the event spotlighted the power of art, music, and storytelling in driving hygiene awareness among young learners.
The celebration brought together more than 200 students from schools across Delhi and featured an enthralling performance by acclaimed Rajasthani folk artist Ustad Rais Khan, who has been associated with DBSI since 2022. Known for launching India’s first hygiene-themed folk album, Folk Music for a Swasth India, the artist once again showcased how culturally adaptive communication can strengthen behavioural change. The event also featured traditional puppet storytelling by the Nagauri Gharana, a Hygeia gaming zone, and interactive sessions centred on hand hygiene practices.
Esteemed educators, including Dr. Neelkanth Kumar, Assistant Professor (Hindi), CIET–NCERT, and Dr. Priyanka Yadav, Assistant Professor, Hindu College, University of Delhi, graced the occasion.
Over the past 11 years, Dettol Banega Swasth India has made a measurable national impact—reaching nearly 1 million schools, enabling 38 billion handwashing occasions, and contributing to a 39% reduction in school absenteeism.
Voices of Leadership and Impact
Highlighting the initiative’s long-term vision, Ravi Bhatnagar, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, South Asia, MENARP, and Africa, Reckitt, stated, “Children are the future leaders of tomorrow… Every clean hand, every informed child, and every healthy household brings us one step closer to a Swasth, Samriddh and Viksit Bharat.”
Deepa Menon, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, PVR INOX Ltd, and Founder, PVR Nest, added, “Our cinemas are platforms for awareness and inclusion. Partnering on Children’s Day reinforces our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Good Health and Well-being.”
Emphasising the role of music in social change, Ustad Rais Khan noted, “When education is infused with art and joy, the learning stays for life. Music can deeply influence children to sustain healthy habits.”
Representing Jagran Pehel, Sahil Talwar, Director – Impact Initiatives and Partnerships, said, “Watching children champion the #IAmTheChange movement is truly inspiring—a step toward a cleaner and healthier India.”
The ‘I Am The Change’ Movement
The event reinforced the ongoing national call to action under the #IAmTheChange campaign, encouraging citizens to take the Hygiene Pledge and adopt their personal and community spaces as part of a collective mission. DBSI continues to gain support from leaders, influencers, and institutions, strengthening India’s hygiene and sanitation ecosystem.
Now in its 12th year, Dettol Banega Swasth India remains one of the country’s most trusted public health movements, weaving hygiene education into India’s cultural fabric through art, music, and community partnerships.
This Children’s Day, the message resonated loud and clear: Every clean hand contributes to a stronger nation. Every responsible action takes India closer to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Citizens can register for the Hygiene Pledge at banegaswasthindia.com and join India’s growing clean revolution.
