Transgender turns swachh mascot

BHOPAL: Sanjana, a transgender from Bhopal, is being hailed as a sanitation mascot for triggering positive change in communities around the state capital through unique song and dance routine. Impressed by Sanjana's creativity, a short film on her initiative has been selected by Swachh Bharat campaign.
Taking a cue from the creativity of the likes of Sanjana, on Sunday in his Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited people to send short films on their initiative in help eliminate open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices.
"It is an honour to be associated with Modiji's Swaach Bharat Mission. I was first invited in 2014 by the state government to participate in motivating residents of Nandani village to build toilets," said Sanjana, a resident of Magalwara area. All homes in Nandani village now have a toilet and its panchayat has imposed a fine on open defecation.
The short film showcases Sanjana's story of her involvement with the sanitation campaign and her innovative approach to encourage people to build and use toilets in their communities. Union government aims for an open defecation free India by 2019.
Initially people were hesitant in accepting us in their house assuming we were collecting money. Once they saw my identity card, it changed their perception. "We have been recognised by the government and we are ready to play our part for Swachh Bharat," said Sanjana.
"Similar moves to involve the transgender community in Swaach Bharat mission have been undertaken by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. We value the transgender community and their ability to communicate with people," said mayor Alok Sharma. BMC also invited the transgender community for deliberations while pitching is smart city project.
Union government is portraying exemplary stories of Swachh champions like Sanjana, which is being dubbed in many regional languages.