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PM Modi lauds people's efforts to implement Swachh Bharat Mission, says a lot more needs to be done

| @indiablooms | Oct 02, 2017, at 11:01 pm
New Delhi, Oct 2 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, reminded Indians that October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, and is an occasion to reflect on how far the country has progressed towards the goal of Swachh Bharat (Clean India).

The Prime Minister was addressing an event to mark Swachh Bharat Diwas, the third anniversary of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission, and the conclusion of “Swachhata hi Seva” fortnight.

Narendra Modi was received by the Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Uma Bharti, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Hardeep Singh Puri, the Ministers of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation, S.S. Ahluwalia and Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi, on his arrival to attend the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebration.

The PM recalled how the  Swachh Bharat Movement had been initiated three years ago, amid immense criticism.

He said he is convinced that the path that Mahatma Gandhi has shown, cannot be wrong. He said that even if there are challenges, that does not mean one must shy away from them.

The Prime Minister said that today people are expressing their desire for cleanliness in one voice.

He asserted that Swachhata cannot be achieved through the efforts of leaders and governments but can only be achieved through the efforts of the society.

Jan Bhagidari has to be appreciated, the Prime Minister said, adding that today, Swachhata Abhiyan has become a social movement.

He said that whatever has been achieved till date, is also the achievement of the Swachhagrahi people of India.

The PM tweeted, "An important aspect of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan is the positive impact it has on women."

If Swaraj was achieved by the Satyagrahis, Shrestha Bharat would be achieved by the Swachhagrahis, the Prime Minister said.

Mentioning the Swachhata rankings of cities, the Prime Minister said they have engendered a positive, competitive atmosphere.

Swachhata needs a revolution of ideas as well; and competition gives a platform of ideas to the concept of Swachhata, he said.

The Prime Minister congratulated all those who contributed during the “Swachhata hi Seva” fortnight; he also said that a lot more needs to be done.

The Prime Minister gave away awards to winners of national essay, painting and film competitions, and also visited a digital display gallery.

Images: PIB

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