Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the completion of ten years of the "Swachhata Hi Seva" campaign, celebrating the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Describing it as the world’s biggest and most successful movement in this century, PM Modi emphasised that the mission would be remembered for years to come due to the commitment and dedication of millions of Indians.
Launched on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission has been a significant milestone for India in promoting hygiene, cleanliness, and eliminating open defecation.
At an event held at Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday, PM Modi highlighted how the mission symbolised the selfless efforts of countless citizens who adopted it as a part of their lives.
He noted that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan would be recognized a thousand years into the future when historians reflect upon India’s progress in the 21st century. According to PM Modi, this campaign has showcased the power of people’s participation and leadership in achieving a collective goal.
He described it as the world’s biggest people-led resolution of the century, emphasising that the more successful the mission is, the more India will shine on the global stage.
The Swachh Bharat campaign is a nationwide initiative that aims to promote hygiene, cleanliness, and the elimination of open defecation in India. Millions of people across the country have actively participated in the mission, transforming it into a genuine movement that reflects the energies and aspirations of the people.
PM Modi praised the massive participation of over 28 crore people in more than 27 lakh cleanliness events organised across the country during the "Seva Pakhwada" in the past 15 days. He emphasised that continuous efforts in this direction would help make India a cleaner nation.
During the event, PM Modi also launched projects worth around Rs 10,000 crore aimed at enhancing cleanliness across the country. Under Mission Amrit, initiatives such as the construction of water and sewage treatment plants in multiple cities, Namami Gange projects, and Govardhan biogas plants were announced. These efforts are expected to elevate the Swachh Bharat Mission to new heights.
PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, highlighting the importance of fulfilling their dreams for India.
He expressed his emotional connection to the mission, noting how it had reached an important milestone of ten years on Gandhi Jayanti, which added significance to the celebration. He called upon all citizens to join in fulfilling Gandhi's vision of a clean India and to continue working towards a more hygienic and sustainable country.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the people of India for their wholehearted participation in the Swachh Bharat Mission. He recognized the efforts of sanitation workers, religious leaders, sports personalities, celebrities, NGOs, and media personnel, all of whom played a crucial role in making the Swachh Bharat Mission a people's movement.
He extended his appreciation to the President and Vice President, former presidents and vice presidents, and the Chief Ministers of states for their contributions to the campaign.
As part of the ten-year anniversary of the Swachhata campaign, PM Modi joined a cleanliness drive along with school children. He urged every citizen to take part in similar cleanliness initiatives to further strengthen the spirit of Swachh Bharat. The drive coincided with the 155th anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti, a day that reminds the country of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for a clean and sustainable India.
On this significant occasion, PM Modi shared his thoughts on social media, encouraging everyone to join the cleanliness efforts around them. He wrote, "On Gandhi Jayanti today, I became a part of the Swachhata Abhiyan with my young friends. I request all of you to become a part of the cleanliness campaign around you today. This initiative of yours will further strengthen the spirit of Swachh Bharat."
The journey of Swachh Bharat Mission began with PM Modi’s powerful message on August 15, 2014, from the Red Fort, calling for cleanliness as a national priority.
It was on October 2, 2014, that the mission was formally launched, adopting a "whole-of-government" approach to sanitation. Since then, Swachh Bharat has grown into one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness in the country, with people from all walks of life contributing to its success.
The mission has had a profound impact on promoting hygiene and eliminating open defecation across the country. Over the last decade, it has not only improved the health and well-being of millions of citizens but also fostered a sense of civic responsibility and pride among the people.
With projects like sewage treatment, biogas production, and solid waste management being implemented, the Swachh Bharat Mission is continuing to address critical environmental challenges in India.
The vision for a clean India is rooted deeply in Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, and PM Modi's leadership in translating this vision into action has been instrumental in driving progress.
By involving citizens at every level and encouraging public participation, the Swachh Bharat Mission has become an embodiment of the power of collective effort.
As India celebrates ten years of Swachh Bharat, the journey ahead remains challenging yet inspiring. It is a reminder that cleanliness is not merely the absence of waste but a commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive society.
PM Modi’s call for action on the tenth anniversary of the campaign serves as a reminder to every Indian that the work towards a cleaner India must continue, driven by the spirit of "jan bhagidari" or public participation.
Follow us
