Dear friends, I greet you all on this historic celebration of Swachhata Diwas. 

On 15^th August 2014, Hon’ble Prime Minister gave the momentous call for swachhata through jan bhaagidari. Thereafter, this Jan Andolan for cleanliness has become the world’s largest movement of this kind. 

During his Mann Ki Baat address on 27th August 2017, Hon’ble Prime Minister called for citizen participation for swachhata.

Since then, a forthnight of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ has been observed every year. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The theme for this year’s Swachhata Hi Seva is ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’. 

The three pillars of activities are Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari, Sampoorna Swachhata including Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi, and Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir.

Today is the culmination of this event, as we pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

It was Gandhiji who said, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. He also said, “A clean body cannot reside in an unclean city.”

We must try to maintain cleanliness in all aspects, including inward cleanliness, personal hygiene, and at the community level.

The Swacch Bharat Mission has been successful due to the collective action of all stakeholders. 

Since the beginning, the driving force for success has been the active participation from all citizens. 

It is only through the cooperation of the general public that the Swacch Bharat Mission has made meaningful impact. 

The Swachhata campaign has led to the improvement of the condition of women, better health outcome, and overall higher quality of life. 

Now, it is extremely  important that we adopt Swachhata as a part of our daily lifestyle and culture. 

I am happy to learn that the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign has seen the participation of many volunteers in our State of Mizoram.

There has been enthusiastic participation from various sections of the society, both in the urban and rural areas. I applaud the concerned departments and agencies for their hard work.

I have seen that cleanliness is a way of life out here in Mizoram. I have also been told that the community frequently undertakes voluntary cleaning work.

I commend the people of this State for this excellent practice. I encourage you to continue to be shining examples for the other parts of the country.

I congratulate all the winners of the Swachhta Hi Seva Competitions. I also convey my special appreciation to the Safai Mitras. I encourage you to continue to perform this noble duty to the best of your abilities. 

Hon’ble Prime Minister has declared our aim of becoming a Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. 

In order to become a Viksit Bharat, we must make all efforts to achieve cleanliness and sanitation. 

Therefore, I urge all the people of Mizoram to adopt Swachhata in our daily lives, as we move forward towards a New India.