Ramanagara – Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is scaling up its pioneering ABCD (A Behavioural Change Demonstration) program, aiming to strengthen sanitation and hygiene education across government schools in Ramanagara district. The initiative, originally launched in 2015, has already transformed the lives of over 58,000 students and touched 400,000 community members. Revitalized in August 2023 following a pandemic hiatus, the ABCD program continues to play a pivotal role in improving hygiene practices in line with India’s national “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
Building on its success, TKM expanded the program in the 2023-24 fiscal year, benefiting 250 schools and improving hygiene awareness among 12,000 students. Notably, knowledge of sanitation among students soared from 26.8% to an impressive 96.5%. Classroom champions were developed to sustain these improvements, ensuring proper hygiene practices endure over time. Moreover, the program facilitated essential washroom repairs and ensured schools had fully operational sanitation facilities.
Looking ahead, the 2024-25 expansion aims to reach an additional 550 schools, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 28,000 students. With a holistic approach, the program integrates practical and theoretical training on sanitation, water management, and waste disposal. School heads will undergo specialized orientations, while students receive hands-on training, nurturing lifelong skills that enhance their overall well-being.
Beyond the classroom, TKM’s efforts are empowering local school cabinets and monitoring committees, urging them to maintain hygiene standards. By supplying essential resources and conducting regular assessments, TKM ensures long-term program sustainability. This expanded outreach reinforces Toyota’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community-driven development.
Speaking at the launch, Vikram Gulati, TKM’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, highlighted the profound impact the ABCD program has had on shaping young minds. “Our goal is to instill not just hygiene practices but a culture of cleanliness that extends far beyond the classroom. By empowering students and educators alike, we are creating future ambassadors of sanitation who will carry these vital skills into their communities.”
The program’s success has earned international recognition, having been featured in the Harvard Business Review and included in case studies at Harvard Business School. With its growing influence, the ABCD initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on sanitation and hygiene practices, setting a new benchmark for corporate-led social initiatives in education.
TKM, in partnership with local authorities and the Education Department, remains dedicated to driving sustainable, long-term change in Ramanagara, contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for India’s next generation.
