Gandhi’s three monkeys, a lasting symbol of the Mahatma’s maxims of good mind, speech and action, had various types of modern imagery attached in the computer age. But it’s the “fourth monkey” imagery on the importance of a open defecation-free India that is making waves. The Swachh Bharat initiative, begun by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, may have drawn only periodic allegiance so far with celebs chipping in on days of national importance, but it’s the Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiative where it has made the most impact.
The scheme, driven by a toilet-building fund of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore, has so far enabled AP and Gujarat to announce they have progressed dramatically in reaching ODF status, with the former proudly claiming 110 towns and 1,368 panchayats are ODF compliant. AP is being encouraged by its CM to put into motion the “ODF Plus” initiative for total sanitation through solid waste management in villages too.
These social initiatives will promote the dignity of women, as women's self-respect is dependent on ending open defecation. India is doubtless on a path to sanitation and, hopefully, healthy lives. The “fourth monkey” promotes novel concepts like gifting a sister with funds for a toilet. Unlike the Western idea of the three monkeys turning a blind eye to impropriety, Gandhi's monkeys show us the way to a better life.
