Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the importance of integrating cleanliness into daily life, urging the people of Arunachal Pradesh not to limit the concept of ‘Swachchata’ (cleanliness) to a single day. His remarks came during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission on Gandhi Jayanti.
Khandu praised the active participation of citizens in the 17-day-long Swachchata Hi Seva campaign, which began on September 17, highlighting the organization of rallies and cleanliness drives throughout the state. “The last 15 days of the campaign have showcased remarkable dedication from officers, NGOs, and civil society. Moving forward, let’s embrace cleanliness as a lifelong practice, rather than confining it to a fortnight or a day!” he stated.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for a ‘Clean Environment, Clean Body, and Clean Mind,’ Khandu stressed that cleanliness extends beyond physical aspects, advocating for a clean mindset. “A polluted mind can lead to negative thoughts, creating a ripple effect in society. We must strive for a clean mind, body, and surroundings,” he added.
Highlighting the historical significance of cleanliness in Indian culture, Khandu acknowledged that previous governments had not prioritized the issue as a national mission. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, noting its transformation into a nationwide movement over the past decade.
