In a strong push to promote health and hygiene among schoolchildren, the Illness to Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), has launched the campaign ‘Swasth Haath, Swasth Bachpan’ (Healthy Hands, Healthy Childhood). The initiative, supported by leading hygiene brand Savlon, focuses on instilling proper handwashing practices among students across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Building Healthy Habits Early
As per the press release, the campaign seeks to engage directly with children to help them adopt essential hand hygiene habits early in life. By preventing illness through simple practices like regular handwashing, the program aims to promote overall well-being and foster long-term public health awareness.
Expanding Outreach Across Schools
This year, the campaign will reach more than 100 schools, covering private, public, and government-run institutions. It aims to engage and educate nearly 40,000 students, marking a significant expansion from last year’s effort, which reached over 30,000 students across 35 schools. By scaling up its impact, the initiative is not only transforming school environments but also spreading awareness into the wider community.
Leaders Emphasise the Importance of Hygiene
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said:
“At the Illness to Wellness Foundation, we believe that building a healthy society begins with our children. Through the ‘Swasth Haath, Swasth Bachpan’ campaign, in collaboration with PEFI, we aim to equip thousands of young minds with simple yet powerful hygiene habits like regular handwashing. By reaching students across more than 100 institutions, we hope to inspire lifelong wellness practices. Engaging and interactive methods built into the campaign will ensure the message stays with them long after it ends. We are not just spreading awareness; we are encouraging lasting behavioral change that will create a healthier generation and a truly Swasth Bharat.”
Interactive and Engaging Learning
To ensure students remember the lessons, the campaign places strong emphasis on interactive and experience-based learning. Instead of relying only on lectures, handwashing techniques are introduced through educational videos, fun quizzes, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive sessions led by health experts. By making hygiene education enjoyable and memorable, the program encourages children to not only understand the importance of handwashing but also make it a consistent part of their daily routine.
Inaugural Program in New Delhi
The campaign’s inaugural program took place on 6th September 2025 at Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan, Greater Kailash – II, New Delhi. Over 300 students participated, supported by a team of supervisors. Experts delivered interactive presentations on proper handwashing techniques in line with WHO guidelines. Volunteers from PEFI and the Illness to Wellness Foundation managed logistics, student engagement, and smooth execution.
Fun and Memorable Activities
The highlight of the event was a handwashing awareness quiz, designed to reinforce key lessons in an engaging way. Students also enjoyed a selfie booth dedicated to the campaign. The program concluded with the distribution of hygiene kits to all participants, marking an important step in building a culture of health and wellness among schoolchildren.
About Illness to Wellness Foundation
The Illness to Wellness Foundation (ITWF) promotes holistic well-being through health education, sustainable hygiene, lifestyle changes, and by blending ancient wisdom with modern technology. Since its launch in 2014, the Illness to Wellness Campaign has focused on preventive care and creating a healthier India through education, awareness, and community engagement with various partners.