By Arpita Mishra
Introduction
Health is not merely the absence of disease, but the presence of well-being physically, mentally, socially, and environmentally. In today’s rapidly changing world, people often speak of technological progress, economic growth, and global development. Yet, the most essential foundation of a strong society lies in something very simple: clean living environments and healthy, peaceful minds.
The theme “Health, Hygiene & Harmony” holds great significance, especially in India’s current context. World Mental Health Day (October 10) reminds us that mental wellness is as important as physical health, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan emphasizes cleanliness, dignity, and public hygiene. When inner well-being and outer cleanliness come together, they generate a culture of harmony within individuals, families, and communities.
This explores how health and hygiene build social dignity, how mental wellness is linked to the environment, the Indian constitutional and policy foundation behind it, and what practical steps citizens, especially youth can take toward a cleaner and emotionally healthier India.
1. Understanding Health Beyond the Physical:
Modern public health views well-being holistically. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Yet, mental health is often neglected. According to the National Mental Health Survey of India (2016-2022), nearly 1 in 7 Indians suffers from some form of mental health difficulty, but stigma prevents people from seeking help.
Mental stress, anxiety, loneliness, trauma, and emotional fatigue have become common in cities and even villages, due to academic pressure, unemployment, climate anxiety, financial strain, and lack of safe social spaces.
Thus, health is not only about hospitals and medicines it is equally about support systems, safe environments, relationships, and emotional dignity.
2. Hygiene as a Social Value and Public Responsibility:
Cleanliness in India has deep cultural roots yet historically, sanitation was neglected due to poverty, caste discrimination around waste work, and lack of public awareness.
Swachh Bharat Mission (2014-present) changed national consciousness. It shifted cleanliness from a private act to a public responsibility.
Key Impacts:
•Over 11 crore sanitary toilets were built nationwide.
•Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification in many districts.
•Higher school attendance, especially for girls.
•Reduction in waterborne diseases like diarrhea and cholera.
The Hindu editorial (general theme)* noted how cleanliness drives also created behavioral change people started discussing hygiene at home, in schools, and community gatherings.
Cleanliness is no longer about sweeping streets; it is about dignity, public health, and respect for shared spaces.
3. The Link Between Clean Spaces and Mental Well-Being:
Scientific research shows that clean surroundings reduce stress and improve emotional balance.
Environmental psychologists have demonstrated that:
•Cluttered, dirty environments increase anxiety and irritation.
•Clean, green spaces improve concentration, peace, and emotional clarity.
Urban parks, community gardens, and well-ventilated homes contribute to mental healing.
Meanwhile, polluted and congested spaces lead to irritability, aggression, and social tension.
Thus, mental peace is not only internal; it is shaped by external surroundings.
Cleanliness → Order → Peace → Harmony.
This chain forms the foundation of a healthy society.
4. Constitutional and Policy Foundations:
India’s commitment to health and hygiene is embedded in core constitutional values and public policies.
• Article / Duty their Provision & Relevance :
•Article 21 = Right to life includes right to health , clean environment , mental dignity.
Relevance = Clean spaces & psychological well being are legal rights.
•Article 47 = Duty of the State to improve public health.
Relevance = Mandates government role in sanitation & health.
•Article 51A(g) = Citizens must protect the natural environment.
Relevance = Clean surroundings are a civic responsibility.
•National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) = Promotes accessible mental health services.
Relevance = Recognizes emotional well-being as public priority.
•Swachh Bharat Mission = Nationwide sanitation and waste-management campaign.
Relevance = Encourages behavioral change for cleanliness.
This constitutional framework shows that cleanliness and mental well-being are not charity ,they are rights and responsibilities.
5. Harmony: The Social Dimension of Health:
Harmony means living in peace with ourselves, others, and the environment.
A healthy society is not only one free from disease but one where:
•People feel respected.
•Communities cooperate.
•Differences do not become conflicts.
When hygiene is neglected, diseases spread, mistrust increases, and social resentment grows.
When mental stress rises, relationships weaken, aggression grows, and violence increases.
Thus, Health (body) + Hygiene (environment) = Harmony (society).
6. National Examples of Change and Leadership:
a) Kerala’s Kudumbashree Movement
Women-led self-help groups improved sanitation, waste management, and emotional support networks at community level.
b) Indore – India’s Cleanest City
Indore implemented:
•Door-to-door waste collection
•Segregation at source
•Behavioral campaigns (“Dustbin do, dharti ko chhodo”)
Result: Public pride in cleanliness → increase in community harmony.
c) National Mental Health Helpline – “Tele MANAS”
Provides free psychological counseling. Over 3 million calls were addressed.
7. Global Context: Cleanliness and Mental Health as Human Rights:
The United Nations links sanitation to dignity and mental health to peace.
SDG Goals directly connected:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Countries like Japan teach children cleanliness in schools. They clean their classrooms daily to build responsibility and mindfulness.
This cultural practice imbibes discipline + emotional respect for shared spaces.
8. Youth as Leaders of the Movement:
Young people today are:
More environmentally aware
More mental-health conscious
More ready to speak and act
Youth can lead change in:
Campus mental health clubs
Community waste segregation campaigns
Green festivals without plastic
Peer support circles for emotional well-being
As The Indian Express opinion columns frequently highlight, India’s young citizens are not only future leaders, they are present changemakers.
9. Practical Action Plan (For Schools, Colleges & Communities):
Priority & Action & Expected Outcome -:
1.Hygiene
Action = Dustbin segregation, water filters, clean toilets, menstrual hygiene rooms. Expected outcomes = Reduced disease, improved attendance.
2.Mental Health
Action = Counseling rooms, mindfulness sessions, peer support groups.
Expected outcomes = Reduced stress & social belonging.
3.Social Harmony
Action = Inclusive activities, anti-bullying rules, community volunteering.
Expected outcomes = Respect, cooperation, empathy.
These are not large reforms, they are sustainable habits.
Conclusion
A nation grows not through wealth alone, but through well-being, dignity, and unity. Cleanliness improves physical health. Mental well-being nurtures emotional balance. Together, they form the foundation of harmony.
A clean India is not only cleaner streets, it is calmer minds, healthier relationships, and peaceful communities.
To build a nation that thrives, we must remember:
“A clean space reflects a clear mind, and a clear mind shapes a harmonious society.”
Swachh Bharat is not just a mission.
World Mental Health Day is not just an event.
They are reminders of the country we are capable of becoming.
•References :-
1. World Health Organization – Health Definition & Mental Health Reports
2. National Mental Health Survey of India (NIMHANS)
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – Tele MANAS Programme
4. Swachh Bharat Mission – Annual Progress Reports, Government of India
5. The Hindu editorials on sanitation behavior change (general thematic reference)
6. The Indian Express opinion columns on mental health awareness (general thematic reference)
7. UNICEF & UNDP Reports on Sanitation and SDGs
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