On May 17, 2024, NIMS Medical College organized an innovative and engaging event in the village of Darolai, Raisar Panchayat, Jaipur. As part of its community outreach initiatives under the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), the college presented an educational dance-drama to demonstrate the critical steps in hand washing and promote hand hygiene practices. This event highlighted the institution’s dedication to fostering health education through creative means and making a lasting impact on the community.

The Objective of the Event

The primary objective of the dance-drama was to educate the local villagers about the importance of proper hand hygiene and its role in preventing diseases. By using a creative and interactive medium, the faculty and students aimed to ensure the message resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Hand hygiene, a cornerstone of disease prevention, is often overlooked in rural areas due to limited awareness. The educational drama was designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that even complex health practices were communicated effectively and memorably.

The Dance-Drama Presentation

The performance was a harmonious blend of art and education. It began with an introduction to the significance of clean hands in everyday life, emphasizing how simple habits can prevent severe health issues. The actors, consisting of faculty and students from NIMS Medical College, used vibrant costumes, expressive movements, and dialogue to engage the audience.

The drama portrayed the following key aspects:

• Steps of Hand Washing: Through choreographed sequences, the performers demonstrated the six essential steps of effective hand washing, including scrubbing the palms, back of the hands, fingers, nails, and wrists.
• When to Wash Hands: Scenarios such as before meals, after using the restroom, and after handling dirty items were dramatized to illustrate the importance of timing in hand hygiene.
• Impact of Poor Hygiene: A narrative depicting the consequences of neglecting hand hygiene, such as disease outbreaks, was woven into the performance to drive the message home.

Community Engagement and Response

The interactive nature of the dance-drama captivated the audience. The villagers, including children, adults, and elders, were enthralled by the performance. The dramatic storytelling ensured that even those unfamiliar with the technicalities of hand hygiene could grasp its importance.

At the end of the performance, a hands-on demonstration session was conducted. Villagers were invited to practice the demonstrated handwashing steps, turning the educational message into actionable behavior. The enthusiastic participation highlighted the effectiveness of the initiative.

Significance of the Initiative

This creative initiative aligned with multiple objectives:

1. Public Health Awareness: By focusing on hand hygiene, the event addressed one of the most basic yet impactful practices in disease prevention.
2. Education through Entertainment: The use of a dance-drama format ensured that health messages were delivered in an engaging and memorable way.
3. Community Empowerment: By involving the villagers directly in the demonstration, the event empowered them to take charge of their health and hygiene practices.

Linking to Sustainable Development Goals

The event was part of NIMS University’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. Proper hand hygiene directly contributes to reducing waterborne and communicable diseases, thereby improving overall community health.

Outcomes and Impact

• Increased Awareness: Villagers gained practical knowledge about effective handwashing techniques and their importance in maintaining hygiene.
• Behavioral Change: The interactive demonstration encouraged immediate practice, fostering a culture of cleanliness within the community.
• Broader Reach: The event served as a model for health education in other rural areas, showcasing the potential of creative methods in spreading awareness.

Conclusion

The educational dance-drama on hand washing and hand hygiene by NIMS Medical College was a powerful example of how art and education can intersect to drive meaningful change. By presenting critical health information in an accessible and engaging format, the event successfully addressed a fundamental aspect of public health and contributed to the university’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable development.