Mahatma Gandhi is known for India's non-violent independence movement, but he was also one of the first to raise the issue of cleanliness (Swachhata) and sanitation as the core of a healthy society. This has become a nationwide movement, under the title “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, which is being led by none other than Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
Gandhiji was a firm believer in the proverb "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," and was aware that lack of hygiene and sanitation were a menace which were not only responsible for various diseases and epidemics, but also was giving rise to social evils such as untouchability and discrimination.
Gandhi ji had said, "Outward filth is only a sign of the uncleanliness in our minds." While people freely dirty their surroundings by littering, spitting, and openly urinating and defecating which lead to unhygienic and unsanitary neighbourhoods and cities, industries pollute the environment with waste and hazardous chemicals. The pollution of air and water, lack of personal hygiene, as well as the contamination and corruption of our minds are a major impediment to a healthy, happy, and progressive nation.
Now more than ever, it is increasingly becoming important to change our mindset regarding Swachhata in all parts of our lives. The COVID-19 crisis has already demonstrated the importance of hygiene, climate change is showing the importance of keeping our environment free of pollution, and many of us are starting to understand the importance of personal ethics and the evils of corrupt thinking.
"Mahatma Gandhi’s Experiments with Swachhata - Key to Prosperity," the second of a series of programme being conducted by Kendriya Bhandar to celebrate the Mahatma’s 150 years, aims to celebrate and appreciate the visionary ideas of Mahatma Gandhi on various aspects of cleanliness including - personal hygiene, mind & thoughts, and, environment.
Chief Guest
Dr. Jitendra Singh
The programme will be inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, and, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.
Through this initiative we aim to encourage the people of India, particularly the younger generation, to incorporate good and responsible cleanliness habits, techniques and practices into their everyday lives and to ensure their minds are free of impure thoughts.
We hope you will not only enjoy this one of its kind programme but also learn from the talks, discussions and demonstration of the various ideas of Swachhata as they were practiced and advocated by Mahatma Gandhi and how adopting Swachhata is the key to prosperity.
The programme will be held at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on Friday, 2nd October 2020 from 11:30am onwards and will have participants comprising Members of Parliament, Senior government officials, Diplomats, Senior representatives of top companies, Multilateral and International agencies, Print and electronic media.
