The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti has invited a total of 58 WaSH Warriors as Special Guests from villages across the country to attend the 77^th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

These WaSH Warriors were nominated by States and Union Territories from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages and drawn from rural households, poor and marginalized communities, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) majority villages and vulnerable tribal groups, showcase community‑led progress in rural water and sanitation. A Swachh Sujal Gaon is a village that is Har Ghar Jal certified under Jal Jeevan Mission and ODF Plus Model verified under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The selected representatives exemplify grassroots leadership in drinking water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) initiatives across rural India.

On 26 January 2026, these Special Guests comprising of WaSH Warriors will be witnessing the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. They will be seated in the Sone Enclosure during the Parade.

Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, will be participating in the Republic Day celebrations from the Ghaghra(S) Enclosure at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

On 27 January 2026, these Special Guests of DDWS will visit the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra and subsequently, interact with the Hon ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, in the presence of Ministers of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhry.

This Special Guest invitation acknowledges the vital role played by rural communities and offers them an opportunity to witness a ceremony of national importance at Kartavya Path. Their presence at the Republic Day Parade reinforces the importance of Jan Bhagidari (people s participation) and highlights community engagement as a core pillar of national development.

As part of their exposure visit, the WaSH Warriors visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on 25 January 2026. Following this, senior officers of DDWS, led by AS & MD, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, interacted with them at Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, New Delhi.

During the interaction, AS & MD Shri Kamal Kishore Soan emphasized the need for continued commitment to strengthening rural water supply systems. He highlighted that while significant progress has been made under Jal Jeevan Mission, much more work remains ahead. He urged communities to focus on ensuring 24 7 water supply, safeguarding and maintaining JJM infrastructure, and making rural drinking water systems sustainable for the long term.

He stressed that Har Ghar Jal must benefit every household in the community and encouraged the WaSH Warriors to take the message of service, sustainability, and community responsibility back to their villages. Through them, he said, DDWS hopes to further spread awareness and deepen community participation.

Post welcome address by AS&MD-NJJM, representatives from J&K s Kupwara spoke movingly about the years of hardship and drudgery their communities endured before the arrival of tap water. Voices from Chhattisgarh s tribal areas echoed similar struggles, highlighting how access to safe drinking water has restored dignity and ease to daily life.

Delegates from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, who recently celebrated Jal Arpan Diwas in their villages, expressed deep gratitude to the Hon ble Prime Minister and the Jal Jeevan Mission for transforming their lived realities. They shared their happiness at being in Delhi, noting how tap connections have reduced the burden on women, given children more time for studies, and brought a renewed sense of hope and wellbeing to their families. Including this, special guests of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Gujarat, and other states have shared their experiences.

Upon their arrival in Delhi, NJJM warmly welcomed the Special Guests of the 77th Republic Day at various key locations across the city, including the airport, bus stands, railway stations, and State Bhawans. The WaSH Warriors were greeted with heartfelt hospitality, marking the beginning of a memorable celebration. This vibrant welcome not only set a festive tone for their visit but also underscored the respect and recognition accorded to their dedication and achievements in rural water and sanitation initiatives.

The Special Guests will conclude their Delhi visit at the National War Memorial and India Gate on 27 January, 2026

The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation expresses its appreciation for the dedication and leadership of these WaSH Warriors in advancing the goals of safe drinking water and improved sanitation across rural India.

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AMK