For far too long, the topic of sanitation has been shrouded in a veil of silence and social awkwardness, particularly in India. But a new wave of change is upon us, and it’s wielding an unexpected weapon: laughter.
Mission Swachhta aur Paani, a nationwide campaign by News18 Network and Harpic, is at the forefront of this innovative approach. For the uninitiated, Mission Swachhta aur Paani is a movement that upholds the cause of inclusive sanitation where everyone has access to clean toilets. It advocates equality for all genders, abilities, castes and classes and strongly believes that clean toilets are a shared responsibility. For 3 years now, Mission Swachhta aur Paani has brought together the right stakeholders on a common platform, so that issues of importance can be discussed, and solutions found.
Given that humor has the power to both disarm and engage audiences, Mission Swachhta aur Paani has put it to use in promoting toilet etiquette and proper sanitation practices. A great example of this was the comedian Gaurav Kapoor’s performance at the culmination event of Mission Swachhta aur Paani, Season 3.
Through witty observations and relatable anecdotes, Kapoor tackled the issue of toilet appropriate behavior in a way that was both informative and entertaining. In an audience that ranged from school children to policy makers, actors to activists, his set sparked both conversation and laughter. At the end of the day, that’s the goal of Mission Swachhta aur Paani: to normalize the discussion around sanitation, in any setting, amongst any company. This is how we break the taboo on this important topic.
Globally, comedians have successfully sparked debate on several important and sometimes divisive topics. Consider Trevor Noah’s use of satire on “The Daily Show” to expose political hypocrisy and spark conversations about race and inequality. Similarly, John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” employs dark humor to shed light on complex social issues like voter suppression and net neutrality.
When it comes to sanitation, we aren’t divided on the issue. In fact, most of us acknowledge the importance of sanitation, thanks to the Swachh Bharat Mission’s success. Scratch the surface however, or start to delve into details, and it makes us uncomfortable. Therein lies the power of humor as a form of communication.
A well-timed joke can break the ice, allowing viewers to absorb important messages in a non-threatening way. Laughter fosters a sense of connection, making audiences more receptive to new ideas and behavior changes. By using comedy to address sanitation, we get to make the topic relatable and even fun.
Gaurav Kapoor’s performance likely resonated with many viewers, prompting them to reflect on their own sanitation practices and encouraging open conversations within families and communities. He successfully tackled several key topics: the state of public toilets, the need for better hygiene in men’s washrooms, and the importance of proper waste disposal. He even used jokes about the excessive number of personal hygiene products lining modern toilets and the cultural differences between India and Japan regarding public cleanliness.
Watching the audience’s reaction, it was clear that he was making his points crystal clear, and doing so in a non-threatening, friendly, even endearing manner. The same can be said of Akshay Kumar’s skit with Sesame Street characters. Akshay Kumar’s stellar comic timing combined with Sesame Street’s strong storytelling informed the audience of the 4 key tenets of the toilet checklist, and the audience didn’t even realize that they were being educated.
This shift towards humor in social messaging holds immense promise for India. Sanitation is a critical issue with wide-ranging public health implications. By breaking the silence and using humor to encourage dialogue, Mission Swachhta aur Paani is paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future for all.
While Mission Swachhta aur Paani Season 3 draws to a close, the work of sanitation continues apace. We set the ball rolling, started the conversation, sparked the ideas, and made the introductions. Now, it’s your turn to run with it. Each of us brings something to the table. Each of us has a voice. Each of us has a platform. Let’s use it. Join us here, to learn how you can help usher in a Swasth and Swachh Bharat.