Jahan Soch Wahan Shouchalay: Marathi bride demands toilet, wins Rs 10 lakh reward

Mumbai: A Maharashtra bride who got a “toilet” as her wedding gift from her kin as she preferred it over jewellery will now be given a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh by a sanitation NGO for taking a stand on the issue.

Inspired by ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign, the woman from Akola district insisted on a toilet in her in-laws’ house, placing basic sanitation needs much ahead of other wedding presents. Lauding the inspiring step by Chaitali Galakhe of Andura village in Balapur tahsil of Akola district, Sulabh International on Sunday announced Rs 10 lakh cash award for her.

While making the announcement, noted sanitation expert and mentor of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak termed Chaitali as a great inspirer and messenger of sanitation. Appreciating the step of the rural woman, Mr Pathak saw it as an impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign which motivates common people towards need of sanitation. He announced to honour her soon with ‘Sulabh Sanitation Award’ carrying a cheque of Rs 10 lakh.

Chaitali got married to Devendra Makode from a village in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. Those who attended her marriage on May 15 were surprised to see a pre-fabricated toilet amidst the other gifts she received.

Standing tall along with other items was a toilet. The pre-fabricated toilet with a water closet, a wash-basin and mirror standing around one foot above the ground, was the cynosure of all eyes at the event. “Five days after my marriage was fixed, I came to know that there is no toilet at my in-laws’ house,” she said.