Mahatma Gandhi had rightly said, “Sanitation is more important than Independence”. He was aware of the pathetic situation of Indian rural people at that time and he dreamed of a clean India where he emphasised on cleanliness and sanitation as an integral part of living.Unfortunately, we have completed 68 years of independence and we have only about 30 per cent of the rural households with access to toilets. The People’s Movement “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” recently launched under the leadership of Narendra Modi is a milestone and a step which will transform India into ‘Clean India” which is nothing but need of the hour but this movement can only be a success if each and every citizen contributes.Cleanliness is no doubt connected to the tourism and global interests of the country as a whole. India is already a known hub in the world tourist map. It is high time now that India’s top 50 tourist destinations display high level of hygiene and cleanliness so as to change the nation’s global perception.There is no doubt about the fact that change begins at home. Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan should be a combined effort of both the Government as well as the people. Having started this people’s project by the country’s PM on October 2nd, one would have expected a similar response from the CMs of different States. Sadly that was not forthcoming. I wonder if these people could be energized by providing an Annual Interstate Competition’ of becoming the ‘Cleanest State’ of the Year. Similar competitions can be extended to village panchayats as well. The winners may honored with cash reward in the ir public fund and trophies.

A “collective action” is being taken by many social organizations to clean up and green up the locality and subsequently India – a way forward. But it will only be a success if each and every Indian contributes its best.
I urge everyone to participate in this people’s movement !!