The Sulabh Alkem Award 2024 ceremony was held at the Integrated Multipurpose Hall in Pakyong, Sikkim, where Governor Om Prakash Mathur attended as the chief guest. The event recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions to sanitation and hygiene under Project AagazPlus, an initiative aimed at promoting accessible and hygienic sanitation in schools, with a focus on girls’ education and empowerment. The project integrates hygiene improvement in schools through practices such as handwashing with soap, access to clean drinking water, and use of improved sanitation facilities.
Governor Mathur emphasized the importance of hygiene and sanitation, praising the Sulabh Sanitation Club and Alkem Foundation for their efforts in introducing Project AagazPlus to schools. He highlighted the need for initiatives that foster healthier lifestyles among students. The Governor also inaugurated the Integrated Multipurpose Community Hall, a CSR project by the Airports Authority of India.
The event featured testimonials from various stakeholders, including students and teachers, who shared their positive experiences with the project. The Sulabh Alkek Award 2024 recognized schools, teachers, and volunteers for their outstanding work in promoting WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) initiatives under Project AagazPlus. Some of the award winners included Government Secondary School, Dalapchand, and teachers Ruchi Thapa, Aquino Sharma, Karma Kunsang Tamang, and Santosh Chettri. The awards also recognized volunteers Ayesha Khatun, Ayogita Sharma, and Ayush Thapa.
Overall, the event aimed to promote better hygiene and sanitation practices in schools, and the importance of girls’ education and empowerment. The award ceremony also acknowledged the efforts of various stakeholders, including the Sulabh Sanitation Club, Alkem Foundation, and the Education Department, in promoting WASH initiatives in schools.