Raichur, August 17, 2023. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) unveiled its flagship initiative, the 'A Behavioral Change Demonstration' (ABCD) Sanitation Program, in the Raichur District of Karnataka on August 15th. Marking the 76th Independence Day celebration, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between Dr. Sharanaprakash Ruddrappa Patil, Hon’ble District In-charge Minister, Raichur, and the Minister for Medical Education & Skill Development, Government of Karnataka, along with Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, TKM. The event took place in the presence of Mr. Chandrashekhar Nayaka L, IAS - Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Raichur, and Mr. Roshan R - Deputy General Manager, EA-State, CSR & BIA TKM.
The 'ABCD' Program, inaugurated in 2015 under the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' (Clean India Campaign), has already made significant strides in empowering students and catalyzing behavioral changes towards hygiene and sanitation. The initiative aims to foster better sanitation practices through a child-to-community approach, focusing on creating awareness among students, their families, and the community. Having achieved remarkable success in Ramanagara District, where it covered 1004 Government schools and benefited over 58,000 students along with more than 4.3 lakhs community members, the program was acknowledged in the esteemed Harvard Business Review and is now a part of the collection of case studies at Harvard Business School. This program is now being introduced to bring about a positive impact to the people of Raichur District, Karnataka.
Dr. Sharanaprakash Ruddrappa Patil – Hon’ble District In-charge Minister, Raichur and Minister for Medical Education & Skill Development, Government of Karnataka, said, “I commend Toyota Kirloskar Motor's unwavering commitment to address the critical issue of sanitation through the ABCD Program. This program's child-to-community approach is unique and praiseworthy, as it encourages school children to become ambassadors for bringing about a positive behavioural change amongst people towards sanitation. Moreover, it is heartening to see that, such initiatives, not only educate but also empower our younger generations to lead the way for healthier, more hygienic practices in schools, homes, and communities. I am confident that this collaboration will bring about significant development in the district of Raichur and set a benchmark in the sanitation habits of people in the state and the nation."
Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “We are honoured for being a part of this transformative endeavour by the Government of Karnataka and overwhelmed with the recognition and appreciation that the ABCD Program has received from key stakeholders, including the community. The positive impact of this program on the community and its effectiveness in empowering students by fostering a mindset change towards sanitation and hygiene, has been truly inspiring. As we extend the ABCD Program to the Raichur District, we are thankful to the support extended by the Government of Karnataka and are highly motivated to create a lasting positive difference in the lives of people where it is needed the most. Our aim is to educate, empower, and enhance the hygiene & sanitation awareness amongst students, teachers, and community members by, promoting a holistic approach to inculcate healthier lifestyle habits. We look forward to working closely with and under the guidance of the Education Department, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the ABCD Program has a significant & long-term impact on the people of Raichur District.”
The 'ABCD' Program will encompass a range of engaging activities to enhance sanitation awareness, including classroom sessions and demonstrations, quizzes, school star ratings, personal hygiene training, supply of essential items, strengthening of School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMC), and sustainability measures. In Raichur, the program is planned to be implemented in over 1600 schools in a phased manner over the next 7 years, benefiting more than 1,50,000 students. The initial phase will encompass 100 Government schools and approximately 10,000 students, with subsequent phases covering the remaining schools. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to community development, TKM is focused on creating meaningful changes in people's lives. The 'ABCD' Sanitation Program underscores TKM's dedication to building a healthier and more sustainable future for both the community and the nation.
