The World Toilet Day was observed by students of the Khariar Autonomous College, Khariar and the Biju Pattnaik Degree College, Boden of Nuapada district on Tuesday in their respective college premises. This year's theme was "Living No One Behind".
Over 500 students of the two colleges took pledge to use toilet and motivate others to use toilet, keep the toilet clean, properly wash hands and conserve water.
The students explained how to keep their surroundings clean and motivate people to achieve the goal of Swachh Bharat.
Dr Tarun Kumar Pradhan, setting the tone of the programme at Khariar, said the effects of the drive should start from college itself. "We must start from our own college, clean the toilet from today," he said. Dr Fanindam Deo was chief guest and Water Man of Odisha Ranjan Panda chief speaker on the occasion. Khariar college Principal Dr Harendra Panda, Prof Gangadhar Panigrahi and other professors also spoke.
A debate competition on the topic “My toilet - my dignity” was held at the Biju Patnaik Degree College, Boden, which was followed by discussions on how lack of toilet and water facilities causes various other problems creating a burden on women. "Having a toilet at home is a good thing; however, not having water connection at doorstep can prove burdensome for many women. A toilet with a tap can end women's long walk for water. Let us ensure clean functional toilets at each household with ensured water supply," said Ranjan Panda.
College Principal Abani Khamari, Santosh Kumar Mund and Kishor Kumar karna and other professors of the college also spoke to students on the occasion.