The 106-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh, who was chosen as a mascot for the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', died on Friday (23rd Feb) after a prolonged illness. Kunwar Bai passed away at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital where she was admitted.
She was suffering from age-related ailments. A few days ago, Kunwar Bai was admitted to the Dhamtari district hospital. On Chief Minister Raman Singh instructions, she was shifted to the hospital in Raipur on Friday, the official said.
In 2016, Kunwar Bai had sold 8-10 goats to build a toilet at home. Her action gained nationwide publicity and made her famous. She was also known for spreading awareness about the importance of using toilets in villagers.
“An elderly woman of 104 years who stays in a remote village, does not watch TV or read papers, but the message of building toilets under clean India mission somehow reached her. She sold off her goats to build toilet at home and also encouraged others from the village to build,” PM Modi had said.
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Her efforts
In fact, 18 houses in her village Kotabharri in Dhamtari district now have toilets. Due to this, the village has earned the Open Defecation-Free status.
Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed grief over her death, describing her as the "Swachhta Doot" (messenger of cleanliness) of the state.
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