Government launches short film series against open defecation

New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on Thursday launched a short film series titled "An Open Mind", in honour of those who are driving positive behaviour change in their communities across the country by helping eliminate open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices.

The five short films showcase real-life stories of individuals from different walks of life who have "made the Swachh Bharat mission their own by adopting innovative ideas to encourage the use of toilets" in their communities and adopt safe waste treatment practices, officials said.

"These stories are examples of a wider citizens movement across the country to encourage the adoption of safe sanitation practices and realize the dream of an open defecation free India by 2019," they said.

At the launch event, Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Narendra Singh Tomar felicitated grassroots sanitation champions featured in the movies.

In his address, he said that the development of India will remain incomplete without complete freedom from open defecation.