NEW DELHI (India CSR): 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).
Spreading Awareness Through 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.
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The Power of Nukkad Natak in Social Change
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.”
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Community Radio’s Role in Amplifying Awareness
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.
(India CSR)
