My dear people of Mizoram,

CHIBAI!

As we celebrate the 148th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, it is also a day to remember the nationwide ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa’ campaign. I had launched this campaign in the State on 15th September, 2017 at Raj Bhavan alongwith the Hon’ble Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

 Nobody understands the value of such a campaign better than us since, we as a society take pride in cleanliness. In fact, it is a way of life with us in Mizoram. No wonder, we already have a large part of our State practising cleanliness. Our sanitation through public participation programme is already acknowledged as one of the best practices in this field.

 I am proud to say that we are one of the best performing states in the country. Out of a total of 8 districts, 5 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), with efforts in the remaining 3 districts going on in full swing.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for a “Jan Andolan” with “Shramdaan” being its key element is timely. It requires each one of us to get on with it with renewed focus.  Towards this end, I would like each one of you to undertake specific measures to carry out meaningful sanitation intervention.  Construction of toilets for each of our family in the remotest of villages is something that we must strive for. 

 This achievement of ODF status should not be a onetime effort, but must be maintained. Let us remember the words of the Mahatma himself, who said that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. I am happy to hear that besides officials, towns and villages across Mizoram are currently having a healthy competition on cleanliness. This should rightly continue to be a “people’s movement.”

 Here, I would also like to make a mention that a massive “people’s movement” is underway for the restoration of the River Chite in Aizawl. I believe we can give to ourselves Christmas gifts of an ODF Mizoram and a Clean River Chite.

 Alongside, today’s birth anniversary of Gandhiji also marks the International Day of Non-Violence. It is a matter of great pride that Mizoram is one of the most peaceful states in the country. We should take it upon ourselves to preserve this hard-earned peace, and continue to abjure violence. Mizoram must remain a safe haven for citizens of all communities and ethnicities.

 I once again greet all of you on this joyous occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and wish you success in the “Swachhta Hi Sewa” campaign!

Ka lawm e.

JAI HIND!