Kohima, September 30 (MExN): As the second anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission approaches, Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya has appealed to all stakeholders, NGOs, civil societies, Government employees, college and school authorities, students’ organizations etc. to participate in the Mission and join in the process of building a “Swachh”, “Shashakt”, “Samriddh”, and “Niryog” Bharat (India).
Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014 coinciding with the 145th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In a press release, Acharya noted that cleanliness was very near to Gandhi’s heart. He mentioned that the Mission, which aims to make India clean by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is a national campaign by the Government of India, covering 4,041 statutory cities and towns, to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country.
The release further informed that Modi had appointed nine important social leaders (NavRatnas) three times as National Ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Acharya expressed gratefulness to Modi for nominating him as one of the National Ambassadors along with comedian Kapil Sharma, former captain of Indian cricket team Sourav Ganguly, former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, Sonal Mansingh, classical dancer, Ramoji Rao of Eenadu group and Aroon Pur.
To carry the mission forward, he said, he has nominated nine prominent personalities of the State as Ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Mission from different fields. They are Alobo Naga, Longtam Phom, Abei-u-Meru, Vizopal Chaya, Supongmeren Jamir, Geoffery Yaden, Hokhugha Chishi, T Khongo, Methaneilie Solo Jütakhrie. “Let us be soldiers to turn this novel idea into action,” he appealed.
“We should all keep our surroundings neat and clean. We need to keep our houses, markets, public places, etc. clean and neat. Garbage/waste should be properly disposed off. It should not be thrown into public places,” the Governor further asserted.
He said that the Government is aiming to achieve an Open-Defecation Free (ODF) India by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 12 crore toilets in rural India at a projected cost of Rs. 1.96 lakh crore.
“Through the practice of the proper cleanliness we can keep ourselves physically and mentally clean which really make us good, civilized and healthy human being. Cleanliness brings feeling of physically, mentally and socially well-being and helps to make good personality. Cleanliness gives rise to good character by keeping body, mind and soul clean and peaceful,” Acharya added.
