The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti hosted 58 WaSH Warriors from across the country as special guests during a three day programme from 25 to 27 January 2026 as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The initiative highlighted community leadership and grassroots contributions to rural water and sanitation under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Nominated by States and Union Territories, the WaSH Warriors came from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages, representing rural households, poor and marginalised communities, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe majority villages, and vulnerable tribal groups. Their selection showcased community-led progress in drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, and reinforced the spirit of Jan Bhagidari as a core pillar of national development.
On arrival in the national capital, the National Jal Jeevan Mission extended a warm welcome to the special guests at airports, railway stations, bus terminals and State Bhawans, acknowledging their dedication and service. On 25 January, the WaSH Warriors visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and later interacted with senior officials of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation at Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan. The interaction was led by Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission, who said the Department looks to these community leaders to further spread awareness and deepen public participation in water and sanitation initiatives.
On 26 January 2026, the WaSH Warriors attended the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, witnessing the national celebrations as honoured guests. Their presence symbolised the recognition accorded to community engagement and local leadership in achieving national goals related to water security and sanitation.
A key highlight of the programme was the Samvad Samaroh held on 27 January at the Palika Services Officer’s Institute in New Delhi, where the Ministry of Jal Shakti formally recognised the contributions of the WaSH Warriors. During the event, they interacted with Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil, in the presence of Ministers of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, along with senior officers of the Ministry.
Addressing the gathering, Shri C. R. Patil congratulated the WaSH Warriors for their commitment and urged them to continue adopting innovative practices in water conservation, water management and sanitation. He emphasised that Swachhata is a way of life and a collective responsibility. Highlighting the impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, he said the programme has benefited over 9.5 crore women by reducing the burden of fetching water and saving an estimated 4.5 crore hours of women’s time, while also enhancing women’s safety through household tap water connections.
During the Samvad Samaroh, WaSH Warriors shared their personal journeys and community experiences. Shri Motilal from Bijrakchhar village in Chhattisgarh, Ms Nijuma Devi from Kendukuchi village in Assam and Mrs Lentsothsi from Tutheyo village in Nagaland spoke about how access to clean tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission eased water scarcity, reduced health issues linked to unsafe water, and significantly improved quality of life, especially for women and children. Shri Amrutbhai Parmar from Timbachudi village in Gujarat shared experiences of developing sustainable water systems such as model wells and spoke about the recognition received for community-led efforts.
The Ministry also disseminated the Jal Jeevan Mission booklet titled “Peyjal Jan Shakti Ki Abhivyakti Volume Two,” documenting the stories of WaSH Warriors and their role in strengthening safe and sustainable drinking water systems at the grassroots level. Some of the special guests later visited the National War Memorial and India Gate.
The WaSH Warriors honoured during the programme represent villages that are Har Ghar Jal certified under the Jal Jeevan Mission and ODF Plus Model verified under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen. Their participation in Republic Day celebrations and associated events underscored the Government of India’s recognition of rural communities as key partners in national development, particularly in the domains of water conservation, sanitation and hygiene.
