A branch/chapter of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) was launched in Ladakh during the 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage, with the divine vision, inspiration and leadership of HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), Co-founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Founder of Ganga Action Parivar and Divine Shakti Foundation, and joined by Yoga Guru, HH Pujya Swami Ramdevji, Founder-President of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Pujya Acharya Balkrishanji, renowned Ayurveda Expert of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji, Founder-President of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary-General of GIWA, as well as many, many others. The centre will actively work to to raise awareness for improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Ladakh and all over the world.
GIWA is the world’s first initiative to engage many faiths to create a world where everyone has access to improved sanitation, safe drinking water and proper hygiene. GIWA was launched globally on September 25, 2013 at UNICEF headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly week, sponsored by the Governments of the Netherlands and USAID, with its International Secretariat in Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh). (www.washalliance.org)