Make Swachhata a way of life: Arunachal CM on Gandhi Jayanti

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 2, 2024

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday called upon the people not to confine the concept of ‘Swachhata’ (cleanliness) to just a day but make it a way of life.

Speaking on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission – culminating on Gandhi Jayanti – here this morning, Khandu lauded the people of the state across the state who participated in the 17-day long Swachhata Hi Seva campaign that began on September 17 last by organizing rallies, cleanliness drives and other programmes to drive home the significance of cleanliness.

“The last 15 days of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign have shown incredible dedication from officers, NGOs, and civil society. As we move forward, let’s make cleanliness a lifelong practice, not limited to a fortnight or a day!” he reiterated.

Recalling the message of Mahatma Gandhi for a ‘Clean Environment, Clean Body and Clean Mind’, Khandu emphasized that cleanliness is not only about being physically clean but also about developing a clean mind.

“A polluted mind will produce negative thoughts, which can have a ripple effect on society. So let’s strive for a clean mind, body, and surroundings,” he said.

Khandu observed that the significance of a clean environment, body and mind was known to the Indians for ages but said that no government before had brought the issue to the forefront and made a national mission.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go down in history as the first Prime Minister of India to start ‘cleanliness’ as a janandolan across the nation. During his first Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in 2014 as the Prime Minister, he started the Swachh Bharat Mission. In these 10 years, the Mission has reached every nook and corner of the country making it a janandolan,” he said.

Khandu along with Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaikgave away the Swachhata Hi Seva awards to winners from across the state including district administrations, departments, NGOs, youth and student organizations contributing their bit to the campaign.

The Governor, Chief Minister along with UD Minister Balo Raja, Mayor Tamme Phassang, IMC Corporators, the Chief Secretary and top government officials paidfloral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Udyanin NitiVihar.

Earlier in the morning, Khandu joined the mass cleanliness drive with Shramdhan for Swachhata at RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar.