On November 19 (World Toilet Day), I delivered a workshop at HILSR, School of Law, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. My thanks to Dr. Sadaf Fatima for the invitation and coordination.
Two smiling female students of the organisation committee met me on arrival and guided me to the venue — a thoughtful gesture that I appreciated greatly. The session began with something I had never experienced before in my academic career: a reading from the Qur’an, first recited in Arabic by a male student, followed by an English translation by another. The introduction and closing remarks were given by female students.
I explained the origins of Friend In Need India or FIN and how my work as a social entrepreneur has influenced my thinking and research. Thereafter, the session covered key concepts linking economic growth, development, and sustainable development, including the triple bottom line and the role of public policy. We examined global and national sanitation trends, the persistence of open defecation, and why behavioural change remains difficult to legislate. Using interactive Wooclap questions, we explored how sanitation, water, waste management, and community engagement intersect within the broader SDG framework.
The audience was attentive, engaged, and participated actively in the Wooclap-based quiz on sanitation and sustainability. Their questions and observations added depth to the discussion.
I was given a bouquet and a plate as a token from the institution, and I thank them for it, especially Dr. Sadaf Fatima who had organised the warm welcome and reception so efficiently.
Overall, it was a constructive and memorable interaction with the students and faculty of HILSR.