Follow Gandhian principles of truth, non–violence: Guv to people
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday urged people to follow the Gandhian principles of truth, non–violence and Sayagraha.
An official spokesperson said that the Governor participated in the state level Grand Finale/Felicitation Ceremony of “Swachhata Hi Seva” Campaign organized jointly by the Housing and Urban Development Department and School Education Department at the SKICC here today.
“Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign was launched from September 15-October 2 2018, as a precursor to the launch of the year long 149th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi and in the run up to the 4th anniversary celebrations of “Swachh Bharat Mission”.
“The Campaign witnessed large scale participation by the citizenry in the form of voluntary service for cleanliness, clean and green drives, Swachhta pledges, rallies, Swachhta competitions in educational institutions, wall paintings, plugging drives (picking garbage while jogging) etc,” he said.
He said the winners of various competitions organized during this Campaign were felicitated by the Governor on the occasion.
Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary on Tuesday, the Governor observed that Mahatma Gandhi had cleanliness and sanitation closest to his heart.
He had made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of the Gandhian way of living and mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi had a rule in his ‘ashram’ for self cleaning of toilets. The Governor noted that all religions and philosophies of the world have emphasised importance of cleanliness and hygiene for the overall health of individuals and societies.
Mr Malik observed that India gained freedom under the leadership of Gandhiji, but his dream of a clean India is still unfulfilled.
“To fulfill this dream, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide sanitation campaign, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ on 2nd October 2014 to provide sanitation facilities to every Indian, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village sanitation, and safe and adequate drinking water supply by 2nd October, 2019,” he said.
The Governor congratulated the State Administration for their efforts in making the State 100 per cent Open Defecation Free. He observed that due to sustained efforts of all stakeholders, Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 100 per cent toilet coverage and has become Open Defecation Free (ODF), one year in advance.
The Governor emphasized that cleanliness is most important for physical well-being and a healthy environment and it is essential for everyone to learn about cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation and the various diseases that are caused due to poor hygienic conditions. He expressed special concern for women who suffer from health ailments due to lack of toilet facilities in our homes.
He observed that cleanliness generates a positive frame of mind which is crucial for making us lead a purposeful life.
The Governor urged people to follow the Gandhian principles of Truth, Non –Violence and Satyagraha while dealing with various issues and appealed that these Principles should be followed in our fight for ensuring cleanliness in our surroundings.
Mr Malik remarked that small steps lead to achieving big objectives and we should never hesitate to contribute our little bit for the benefit of the society irrespective of impact it generates.
The Governor gave away cash prize to the students of Govt. Higher Secondary School Kothi Bagh for their quality Song and Skit performances on the occasion.
KV News
