Lonavala: The Second Edition of the National Conference on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) 2025 concluded successfully on June 26 at the St. Joseph Training Centre in Lonavala, bringing together over 50 distinguished professionals, community leaders, scholars, and youth volunteers from across India. The three-day event, held from June 24 to 26, served as a dynamic platform to address critical challenges facing the WASH sector, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
Organized by Auxilium Skills Academy: A Commitment to Marginalized Youth
The conference was organized by Auxilium Skills Academy (ASA), an initiative under the FMA-INB Province of Mumbai dedicated to empowering marginalized youth through skills training and employment opportunities. ASA’s mission to transform lives by equipping young people with modern skills was reflected in the conference’s theme: “Transforming WASH into a Right, Responsibility & Resilience Strategy.”
With a focus on gender inclusion, urban marginalization, menstrual hygiene, sanitation innovation, and youth-led advocacy, the conference fostered meaningful dialogue aimed at strengthening India’s WASH ecosystem.
The conference was inaugurated by Rev. Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva FMA, Provincial of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Province of Mumbai. She was joined by Sr. Rosaline Pereira, CEO of ASA, along with other dignitaries who underscored the importance of WASH as a fundamental human right and a catalyst for social equity.
Dr. Deepak Raut, Medical Superintendent and Professor at MGM Medical College and former Director of the National Institute of Public Health Training and Research (NIPHTR), graced the event as the Chief Guest. Dr. Ajit Salvi, Director at the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES) – All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG), was honored as the Guest of Honour.
Conference Highlights: Innovation, Dialogue, and Action
The conference featured a rich agenda of expert-led panel discussions, interactive workshops, and innovative sessions designed to foster collaboration and practical problem-solving. One of the standout features was the “WASH Problem-Solution Marketplace,” where participants brainstormed actionable solutions to pressing WASH challenges, blending technical expertise with grassroots insights.
Sessions also explored legal frameworks, community engagement strategies, and the role of public health leadership in creating resilient WASH systems. The emphasis on intersectionality and local context ensured that discussions remained grounded in the realities faced by vulnerable populations.
Prominent speakers such as Mr. Anand Jagtap, Dr. Sulochana Pednekar, Ms. Rosy Joseph, Advocate Dhanpal Solanki, and Ms. Dahlia Ribeiro steered conversations towards community-driven approaches. Their insights highlighted the necessity of collaboration across sectors and the empowerment of local stakeholders to achieve lasting impact.
Honoring a Pioneer: Tribute to Mr. Shaji Zacharia Fernandez
A poignant moment of the conference was a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Shaji Zacharia Fernandez, a renowned Social Development Consultant whose pioneering work has significantly advanced integrated approaches to ecology, WASH, and skills training within the Province and ASA’s programs.
Rev. Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva presented Mr. Fernandez with a shawl and memento in recognition of his invaluable contributions. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Fernandez expressed profound gratitude and shared how the principles of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si encyclical have deeply inspired his commitment to sustainable social development.
Building Bridges: Collaboration Across Sectors
The National WASH Conference 2025 successfully created a vibrant space for institutions, civil society, academia, and local governments to engage in constructive dialogue. The event underscored the critical need for collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in India.
By bringing together diverse voices—from policymakers to youth activists—the conference reinforced the message that WASH is not only a basic right but also a shared responsibility that demands resilience and innovation.
Auxilium Skills Academy (ASA) continues to make a transformative impact by empowering approximately 2,000 youth annually across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Headquartered at the Mazzarello Youth Centre in Wadala, Mumbai, ASA offers cutting-edge e-courses and skill development programs that lead to meaningful employment opportunities.
In addition to its core mission, ASA actively implements WASH programs involving 2,000 youth, 20 colleges, 10 schools, and 20 urban slums across Maharashtra. Through these initiatives, ASA fosters awareness, capacity building, and community engagement to promote sustainable WASH practices.
The National WASH Conference 2025 has set a new benchmark for collaborative action in India’s water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. By empowering youth, embracing innovation, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the conference has laid a strong foundation for transformative change—ensuring that WASH becomes a guaranteed right, a shared responsibility, and a resilient strategy for the future.