Sisir Saras Mela 2024 – A Cultural Extravaganza with a Purpose

The Sisir Saras Mela in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an annual cultural fair that transcends the boundaries of entertainment to engage a sense of community and awareness. In its 2024 edition, the fair witnessed a distinctive stall orchestrated by the collaboration between the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water (PR&DW) Department and Youth4Water Plus, a UNICEF-led campaign for engaging and empowering youths in sustainable WASH and Climate Change. This partnership shaped a vibrant learning hub that encapsulated the essence of water, sanitation, and hygiene, while also shedding light on climate and environmental concerns.

PR&DW Department, Government of Odisha, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative at the Sisir Saras Mela 2024 by showcasing the state government’s initiatives in water and sanitation in rural areas for securing a healthy and hygienic future for its citizens. Collaboration with Youth4Water Plus provided the scope for engaging with youths by engaging them in quizzes and painting competitions centered around WASH and Climate Change.

The stall highlighted the state government’s initiatives through a detailed 3D model illustrating the Swachh Bharat Mission 2 (SBM 2) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Volunteers, including enthusiastic members from the National Cadet Corps, actively engaged with visitors, explaining the nuances of these initiatives and emphasizing their impact on local communities.

In addition to this, the stall also displayed and popularized the eco-friendly products created by Thanapati SHG of Khairabad Village, Gulnagar Gram Panchayat, Kendrapara, Odisha whose efforts were also appreciated by the Hon’ble PM during Episode 98 of “Mann Ki Baat”.

Recognition and Impact

The exemplary work showcased at the PR&DW and Youth4Water Plus stall did not go unnoticed. It was adjudged as the Best Stall and received the 1st prize in the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) stall category. This recognition highlights the stall’s innovative and engaging activities, affirming its role as a catalyst for change and a beacon of inspiration at Sisir Saras Mela 2024.

The collaboration between the Department of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and the UNICEF-led Youth4Water Plus campaign at Sisir Saras Mela 2024 has set a commendable precedent for future initiatives. The fusion of creative expression, environmental education, and government-led initiatives showcased the potential for collective action in addressing water-related challenges. Through such collaborative efforts, we can envision a future where sustainable solutions for water management and environmental stewardship become the norm rather than the exception.

Authors:

Ms. Shipra Saxena, WASH & CCES Specialist, UNICEF Odisha.

Ms. Anwesa Dutta, WASH Consultant, UNICEF Odisha.

Yogendra Singh, State Sanitation Consultant (UNICEF), PR&DW Department, Odisha.

Gautam Patnaik, State Consultant, Water (UNICEF), PR&DW Department, Odisha.

Jyotirmoy Deb Goswami, WASH Consultant (UNICEF), PR&DW Department, Odisha.