Speech on Gandhi Jayanti: The vision of Cleanliness and Sanitation
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, respected guests, and dear students,
Today, we gather here at SJS GGSSS, Silana, on this auspicious day of October 2nd, to commemorate not only the 145th birth anniversary of our beloved Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, but also to celebrate the ideals he held close to his heart, especially the vision of cleanliness and sanitation.
Gandhi once said, “Sanitation is more important than independence,” and this statement holds immense significance in the world we live in today. His commitment to cleanliness was not just about tidying up physical spaces; it was a call to transform our society, our mindset, and our way of life.
As we look around us today, we can see how the legacy of Gandhi’s vision has evolved and continues to shape our nation. The launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Clean India Mission, on this very day in 2014 by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant step towards fulfilling Gandhi’s dream.
This multidimensional mission addresses several critical aspects of cleanliness, including waste management, clean water and air, e-waste management, and universal sanitation coverage through community engagement. It seeks to make cleanliness an integral part of our daily lives, just as Gandhi envisioned.
SJS GGSSS, Silana, stands as a beacon of this vision. Today, as we celebrate Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on our school campus, we not only pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi but also instill in our students the values of hygiene, responsibility, and environmental consciousness.
Principal Mahinder Singh Yadav, in his address, emphasised the importance of cleanliness as a way of life. He reminded us that cleanliness not only enhances our physical environment but also nurtures discipline and responsibility within us. Our dear Sarpanch from Gramme Panchayat Silana joined us today and applauded the efforts of our school and students in contributing to the cleanliness drive within our community.
The heart of today’s celebration lies in the active participation of our students. They have taken it upon themselves to clean our school campus, symbolising their commitment to Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness. This hands-on experience is not just about tidying up; it’s about fostering a sense of pride and ownership among our students, who are the future leaders of our nation.
In conclusion, as we remember the Mahatma on this special day, let us carry forward his vision of cleanliness and self-reliance. Let us remember that the path to a cleaner India, as envisioned by Gandhi, lies in our hands. Through mass participation and community engagement, we can turn his dream into a living reality.
So, let us pledge to keep our surroundings clean, to be responsible citizens, and to contribute to the betterment of our nation. Let us remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
The goal of Clean India cannot be achieved without widespread involvement and community involvement. Let’s step up and join the effort to make Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of cleanliness a reality as we honour his birth anniversary.
Thank you, and let us all be the changemakers for a cleaner and brighter India.
