State observes National Cleanliness Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 02 2019: As in other parts of the country, the National Cleanliness Day 2019 was observed today at Gandhi Memorial Hall here.

Speaking at the function as chief guest Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that every year, the 2nd of October is observed as National Cleanliness Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The observance assumes greater significance this year because it is the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

Gandhiji was an apostle of peace and he led India's freedom struggle against the British by using 'Ahimsa' as his most powerful weapon.

He was an equally strong advocate of cleanliness of mind, body and the environment.

The Governor reminded the gathering that Mahatma Gandhi stands tall in the gallery of great world leaders and thinkers.

He belongs to the whole world and to all generations.

His profound humanism is his message.

A symbol of indomitable human soul power, Gandhiji firmly stood for the cause of the downtrodden and oppressed not only in India but also in other parts of the world.

He lived and died for peace and welfare of mankind.

His philosophy of non-violent agitation and civil disobedience not only led his own country to independence but also influenced political activists throughout the world.

Gandhi's novel mode of mass mobilization and non- violent struggle brought down colonialism, strengthened the roots of popular sovereignty including civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle and inspired leaders far and wide.

He won affection and love of millions of people all over the world and from both friends and foes alike.

He will be remembered as one of the greatest souls that ever walked on earth, she added.

The Governor stated that Gandhiji was vehemently against hatred between man and man.

He once observed that he could not live when the atmosphere was marred with violence and hatred.

Transcending the social barriers of caste, creed, colour, language and religion, Gandhi preached universal peace, brotherhood and friendship.

Peaceful co-existence was his perennial message.

The Governor also said that for Gandhi, political independence of India was not the end.

It was the beginning of real freedom - economic freedom of the country.

He was the champion of "Swadeshi" or home economy.

He wanted to work for an India in which the poorest should feel that it was their country.

To him, the spirit and soul of India rested in the village communities.

He also wanted an India in which all communities live in perfect harmony.

Mahatma Gandhi always emphasized cleanliness for a healthy living with a firm belief that healthy people make a healthy Nation.

He also believed in the spiritual purification of body, mind and soul.

Speaking about the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Governor said that the present Prime Minister has added a new vigour to the cleanliness drive and made it more impactful and meaningful when he launched the mission on 2nd October, 2014.He declared the day as a non-holiday for the Government workers and staff and urged them to take cleanliness to their offices and work places.

He also urged all the Indians to devote at least 2 hours per week to clean their surroundings.

In the 2-year long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, new schemes have been launched and awareness campaigns have been intensified to promote a clean and healthy environment all around.

Such a step is the development of Swachh Campus and Jal Shakti Campus and Jal Shakti Gram under Higher Education as initiated by the Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education in areas of sanitation, hygiene and water conservation.

Expressing confidence in the launch of two manuals on Swachh Campus and Jal Shakti Campus and Jal Shakti Gram as a part of the State level programme, the Governor said that these will certainly help the higher educational institutions including universities, colleges and polytechnics in keeping the campus clean and in developing strategies, action plans and implementation plans for water conservation within the campus and in the villages.

She also mentioned that, the state of cleanliness which is maintained during the observance of the National Cleanliness Day should be made a regular way of life.

It should not be just a normal observance but a wake up call for all to maintain high standards of cleanliness at homes, work places, roads, streets and public places.

She also appealed the gathering that while celebrating the National Cleanliness Day, one should remember the lofty thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi.

As part of National Cleanliness Day 2019, Manipur Secretariat organized a special cleanliness drive at all its sections.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar graced the function as president.

CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam, MAHUD Minister Th Shyamkumar and a good number of VIPs also attended the function.

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