Folk Music For A Swasth India: India’s First Music Album On Hygiene Launched

‘Hathda the bhi dhovo, meinh bhi dhova, sabun paani su hathda dhova, nirog banao maharo Rajasthan na’ (You wash your hands, I will wash mine too, with soap and water and let’s make our Rajasthan healthy) – these are the lyrics of a folk song composed and sung by Rais Khan Project with an aim to spread the message of hygiene among people. Folk songs have a way of connecting the present with the past. Folk Music has always been known to be one of the best tools to build awareness. Rajasthani folk music is one such form that has captured the hearts of millions across the globe.

With an aim to reach out to children in Rajasthan and across the country with music and connect them with hygiene and education in a fun way, Dettol Banega Swasth India has collaborated with Rais Khan Project. As part of this collaboration, Rais Khan project has composed five folk songs as part of India’s first music album on hygiene, launched on Tuesday, ahead of Rajasthan Day on March 30. The music album was launched in the presence of Dr. Bulaki Das Kalla, Minister of Education, Art, Literature, Culture, Archeology & Museum, Rajasthan, Government of Rajasthan. About this initiative Dr Das said,

Dettol X Rais Khan Project folk music is a unique way to spread the message of hygiene. It is indeed a matter of pride to see Rajasthan’s rich music heritage being such a massive contributor towards health and hygiene upliftment.

It is expected that children will easily grasp the songs and imbibe the message of these songs in their daily lives to achieve the ultimate goal of `Swasth India’. Gaurav Jain, Senior Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia highlighted that art and music are powerful tools that can bring about massive societal change and move people to adopt good practices. He said,

We are looking at music as a medium to connect with audiences and effectively deliver social messages on health and hygiene. With Rais Khan Project we are taking the rich heritage and folk music of Rajasthan to children across India in our endeavour to create a healthy country by bringing focus on self-care hygiene practices. This initiative is another step from Reckitt toward the mission of ‘Leave No One Behind’.

According to Ravi Bhatnagar, Director – External Affairs and Partnerships SOA, Reckitt, social change can take place at a faster pace when carefully integrated messages are incorporated in cultural practices. He said,

We want to make hygiene a culture. Using folk art and songs are only an engaging medium but also are rooted in a place’s culture. We are so proud to have Rais Khan Project championing Dettol Banega Swasth India’s agenda for a cleaner, healthier Rajasthan and India.

Hygiene Folk Songs

The melodious and foot tapping folk songs aim to spread the message of hygiene and health in an innovative and fun way. The lyrics of the song have been carefully articulated from the Dettol School Hygiene Curriculum. Each song while being melodious also sends out a strong message to follow best hygiene practices. Ustad Rais Khan, Professional Percussionist and Folk Musician, Rajasthan,

Music is a powerful medium. It helps us connect with people. It is most gratifying to use the power of our music to help children of our state and nation imbibe positive hygiene habits and stay healthy. We are grateful to Dettol Banega Swasth India for making this a reality for us.

‘Nirog Banao Rajasthan’: Let’s Make Rajasthan Healthy

According to UNICEF, globally, upto 50 per cent cases of malnutrition are caused by inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene. It further says that the simple act of handwashing after going to the toilet or before eating can reduce the risk of children getting diarrhoea by more than 40 per cent. With the message of hygiene being the key to a healthy community, Rais Khan Project, through their song ‘Nirog Banao Rajasthan’, calls upon people to wash their hands with soap and water and make hand hygiene a part of their lives.

Know More: Lyrics of the song Let’s Make Rajasthan Healthy

‘Sau Beemariyan Su Bachan Ro Tareeke’: Significance Of Handwashing

Taking the message of handwashing further, this song by Rais Khan Project explains the method of washing hands properly. The song tells people to apply soap on wet hands and rub properly for 20 seconds, clean and dry-wipe using a fresh towel. It highlights that by washing hands one can save oneself from numerous illnesses like pneumonia, diarrhoea, COVID-19 among others.

Know More: Lyrics of the song Significance of Handwashing 

‘Sundar Gharna Saaf Rakho’: Hygiene At Home

With the message of how important is the practice of keeping homes hygienic, this song reminds people to keep their living spaces clean, to wash hands before preparing any meals, to keep eatables and drinking water covered, to wash hands after using the toilet and after playing with pets.

Know More: Lyrics of the song Hygiene at Home

‘School Cool’: Hygiene At School

Hygiene at school is very important as it reduces the risk of children falling sick. Rais Khan Project, through their song ‘School Cool’ convey that a hygienic school is very cool. They urge children to wash their hands regularly using Dettol products.

Know More: Lyrics of the song Hygiene at School 

‘Aas Paas Mei Safai Rakho’: Hygiene In Neighbourhood

The fifth track of the hygiene album focuses on maintaining cleanliness in the neighbourhood. The song also talks about planting trees to make the environment healthy. It calls upon children to ensure that they use a dustbin and not litter trash around them.

Know More: Lyrics of the song Hygiene in Neighbourhood

(About The Authors: Ravi Bhatnagar is the Director – External Affairs and Partnerships SOA at Reckitt and Richa Shukla is an Educationalist)

You can also listen to all the full songs on Spotify.