As part of the Special Campaign 6 and Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, organised a Tree Plantation Drive on 01.10.2026 at the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), Vasant Kunj, New Delhi under the theme of "Ek ped Maa ke naam" on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

The Plantation drive was led by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice. Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legislative Department and Department of Legal Affairs and Chairperson  IIAC, along with senior officers / officials of the Department and IIAC participated in the event. The  Hon’ble Minister, Law Secretary &  Chairperson  IIAC, Senior officers of the Department  and IIAC planted  saplings on the IIAC campus.

“True cleanliness begins in the mind (Mann ki Swachhta),” says the Minister, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran experience

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister said that cleanliness is not limited to keeping streets and public spaces clean; it must begin with a clean mind, pure thoughts and a sense of duty towards society.

He said that Swachhata Hi Seva is a people’s movement in which every individual has a role to play. He noted that 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reminds the nation that cleanliness, discipline and service were integral to Bapu’s vision of a free and self-reliant India.

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s stay in Champaran in 1917, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted how Gandhiji initiated efforts towards sanitation and hygiene, which became part of a wider mass movement and contributed to addressing the grievances of indigo farmers.

The Minister said that the lesson from Champaran remains relevant today: Swachhata is a mission of empathy and shared responsibility, and not merely a campaign.

Shri Meghwal expressed confidence that, through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, IIAC would develop into a global, efficient and credible centre for arbitration. He said that the Centre should reflect the same values of transparency, discipline and service that Swachhata Hi Seva represents.

Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legislative Department and Department of Legal Affairs and Chairperson, IIAC, said that cleanliness has two dimensions — the cleanliness of our surroundings and the cleanliness of the mind — and one remains incomplete without the other. He appreciated the efforts of IIAC and stressed that institutions have a responsibility to adopt sustainable practices and contribute meaningfully to the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He assured that IIAC is committed to establishing itself as a global, efficient and credible institution, contributing to India’s emergence as a preferred seat for international arbitration.

Shri Navin Kumar Singh, CEO, IIAC, thanked the Hon’ble Minister, Secretary and other dignitaries for their participation in the programme. He reaffirmed IIAC’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.

The programme concluded with a pledge to sustain cleanliness initiatives and promote a greener and more sustainable environment.

 

 

 

***

Samrat/Pranab/ Sagar

(Release ID: 2318022) Visitor Counter : 233