PM Modi Urges Nation to Join Cleanliness Drive Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti
In a heartfelt call to action ahead of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of India to unite in a nationwide cleanliness drive on October 1, 2023. As part of the ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collective effort to honor Gandhi’s vision of a clean India. The cleanliness drive is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will be a key event in the run-up to Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2.
PM Modi shared his message with the public during his 105th episode of Mann Ki Baat, his monthly radio program, where he spoke about the significance of cleanliness in building a progressive nation. “On October 1, at 10 a.m., a major cleanliness event will take place, and I urge every citizen to participate. Whether in your neighborhood, a park, a street, or by a river, lake, or any public space, your contribution matters,” said the Prime Minister.
The initiative, titled “Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” (One Date, One Hour, Together), aims to bring people from all walks of life together for one hour of ‘Shramdaan’ (voluntary labor) in an effort to make India cleaner. This cleanliness drive is part of the larger ‘Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2023 campaign, which is an annual two-week initiative dedicated to promoting cleanliness.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Prime Minister Modi’s call for this mass participation underscores the idea that Swachh Bharat, or Clean India, is a shared responsibility. “A cleaner India is the responsibility of each and every citizen. It is a noble cause that requires the efforts of all, and every small action counts,” PM Modi posted on social media.
The message has been amplified across platforms to encourage maximum participation. The Prime Minister has repeatedly highlighted how Gandhiji’s ideals of cleanliness were not just about physical hygiene but also symbolized spiritual and moral cleanliness. By organizing the drive on October 1, just a day before Gandhi Jayanti, the initiative aims to bring people closer to these values.
“Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” Initiative
The “Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” campaign is expected to be one of the largest public cleanliness movements in recent years. Citizens are being encouraged to dedicate just one hour to clean their surroundings and help maintain the cleanliness of public spaces. From urban cities to rural villages, the message is being spread far and wide, urging everyone to contribute.
Local governments, educational institutions, corporate entities, and non-profit organizations are all gearing up to take part in the campaign. Many schools and colleges have already planned student-led cleanliness initiatives to mark the occasion. Similarly, various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have announced plans for neighborhood clean-up activities on October 1.
Swachh Bharat: The Ongoing Journey
Since its launch in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has made tremendous progress in improving sanitation and cleanliness across India. Public awareness campaigns have been instrumental in making citizens more conscious of their environment and encouraging them to take responsibility for keeping public spaces clean. The construction of millions of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission has also contributed to enhanced sanitation in rural and urban areas.
However, PM Modi reiterated that the mission is far from complete and requires consistent public participation. “We have achieved a lot, but much more needs to be done. Cleanliness is not a one-day task but a continuous effort, and everyone must play their part,” he said.
The government has also outlined plans for additional clean-up activities in the lead-up to Gandhi Jayanti, focusing on areas like rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, which are vital for both the environment and public health.
A Cleaner India for Future Generations
The October 1 cleanliness drive is expected to resonate with people across the country, inspiring individuals and communities to work together for a common cause. The event is not just a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles but also a step toward creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.
With just a simple call for “One Hour, One Date, Together,” PM Modi’s appeal has the potential to bring about a significant impact, reminding every Indian that their contribution, however small, is crucial in making the dream of a Swachh Bharat a reality.
