Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Mrs. Savitri Thakur, said that cleanliness is not merely a government programme but a foundation for nation-building. She emphasized that active participation of every citizen is essential for building a clean, healthy and developed India. She stated that the goal of a Developed India cannot be fully achieved unless cleanliness evolves into a people’s movement.

Mrs. Thakur participated in a cleanliness programme organized in the Purana Bazar area of Sakri in Bilaspur. On the occasion, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Tokhan Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) Mr. Bhupendra Savanni, Member of Legislative Assembly Mr. Dharamlal Kaushik, former Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Women’s Commission Mrs. Harshita Pandey, along with other public representatives and distinguished citizens, were present.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Thakur said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an unprecedented atmosphere of public awareness regarding cleanliness has been created across the country. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has brought about a positive transformation in people’s attitudes and behaviour. Today, the increased awareness towards cleanliness in villages, towns and cities across the country is clearly visible through tangible improvements on the ground.

She said that a few years ago, cleanliness conditions around public places, railway stations, bus stands and other civic facilities were often a matter of concern. However, due to sustained efforts and active public participation, significant improvements can now be seen. She noted that this transformation has been made possible not only through government initiatives but also through the cooperation and awareness of citizens.

The Union Minister of State said that the real objective of cleanliness is not merely to conduct cleaning drives but to instill a lasting sense of cleanliness among people. If every individual resolves to keep their homes, workplaces, neighbourhoods and public spaces clean, the dream of a Clean India can soon become a reality. She added that aware and responsible citizens constitute the greatest strength of any nation, and that lasting change can only be achieved through public awareness.

Mrs. Thakur further said that cleanliness has a vital role to play in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047. A developed nation is not built solely through economic progress; it is equally shaped by social responsibility, discipline, cleanliness and the fulfilment of civic duties. Therefore, every citizen must make cleanliness an integral part of daily life while fulfilling their responsibilities towards the nation.

She stressed that cleanliness should not be confined to specific days or campaigns. Instead, it should be adopted as a continuous people’s movement. Every section of society should contribute towards maintaining cleanliness in temples, schools, statues of great personalities, public places, streets, neighbourhoods and community spaces. Such efforts, she said, would not only create a cleaner environment but also set a positive example for future generations.

During the programme, public representatives also described cleanliness as a social responsibility and urged citizens to participate actively in cleanliness initiatives. The speakers observed that cleanliness, public health and environmental conservation are closely interconnected and that enhancing public awareness on these issues is the need of the hour.

A large number of local residents, social workers, members of women’s groups, youth and public representatives participated in the programme. All present pledged to make cleanliness a part of their daily lives and to keep their surroundings clean.
 

*******

RDJ/KG

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2271270) आगंतुक पटल : 106