The term “hygiene” is derived from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. Elaborate codes of hygiene can be found in several Hindu texts such as Manusmriti and Vishnu Purana. The Indus Valley Civilization with its hallmark civilizations like Mohenjodaro and Harappa  had elaborate sanitation systems and codes of hygiene.

5000 years ago, Indian ancient civilisations like Mohenjodaro & Harappa had developed elaborate sanitation systems and codes of hygiene since they were aware and conscious of the dangers of contact with faecal & waste matter. Today, in India, we might boast of huge leaps in technology, science and business, but the fact remains that we are still pre-historic and ignorant or rather indifferent towards improving our basic sanitary hygiene factors. One of the most dispensable habits still prevalent in India is that of using our hands to clean after our daily bowel movement. The very act of touching the excreta/faecal matter with our hands is the most dangerous practice and immediately exposes us to the spread of some of the most dreaded diseases on earth – Hepatitis, Typhoid, Cholera, Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis etc. Read More