New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a cleanliness drive with school children on Wednesday, marking the completion of 10 years of the Swachhata campaign.
He urged the people to participate in the cleanliness initiative to strengthen the spirit of Swachh Bharat. “On Gandhi Jayanti today, I became a part of the Swachhata Abhiyan with my young friends. I request all of you to become a part of the cleanliness campaign around you today. This initiative of yours will further strengthen the spirit of ‘Swachh Bharat’, PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
Later, PM Modi participated in the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to mark 155th Gandhi Jayanti and 10 years of Swachh Bharat Mission. “There were some people who considered it their right to hurt the pride of cleanliness workers. But when we all began this cleanliness drive, the workers started thinking highly of themselves and that others are also coming with us… They feel proud of themselves that they are involved in cleanliness not just to fill their stomachs, but to also keep their country clean,” ANI quoted him as saying.
Taking to his X handle, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi wrote: From open defecation-free villages to cleaner cities, the Swachh Bharat Mission, under the leadership of @narendramodi ji, has empowered millions and created a cleaner, healthier India. Let’s continue this vital journey together.”
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, commented, “The clarion call for cleanliness given by PM @narendramodi Ji in his first speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 2014 transformed into one of the world’s largest Jan Andolans as Swachh Bharat Mission completes ten glorious years! Under the leadership of PM Modi Ji, cleanliness has become an integral part of every Indian’s conscience.”
Various central and state government ministries and departments observed Swachhta Diwas by participating in cleanliness activities. Northern Railway, POWERGRID, East Coast Railway, Digital India, Handicrafts Department among hundreds participated in Swachh Bharat cleanliness activities.
Union Minister for Health and Family welfare, Chemicals and Fertilisers, JP Nadda said, “… This revolutionary initiative has brought an end to open defecation in Bharat, empowering countless women with dignity and safety through access to proper sanitation facilities. The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission is a result of the PM Modi ji’s vision and the collective efforts of the people of India, reflecting our commitment to cleanliness and a healthier future for all.”
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu shared on X, “Today marks a significant milestone – the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission! I attended the Swachh Bharat Diwas event alongside Hon Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik Ji (Retd), where we emphasized the importance of cleanliness, not just physically, but also mentally. Negative thoughts can have a ripple effect on society, so let’s strive for a clean mind, body, and surroundings.”
