Our commitment to cleanliness is a lifelong pledge: PM Modi as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan completes 10 years

Modi made the remark while addressing a 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2024' programme at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi as his government's Swachh Abhiyan completed 10 years on Wednesday.

"Our commitment to Swachhta is a lifelong pledge, not a one-time promise. We must instil this value in future generations, making cleanliness an integral part of every citizen's daily life," the Prime Minister said and added, "Our every effort in the journey towards developed India will strengthen the mantra of 'Prosperity through Cleanliness'."

The Prime Minister claimed the drive has brought a change in the way people's thought process in the country.

He said, "The increasing importance of cleanliness has also brought about a huge psychological change in the country. We all know how people involved in cleaning work were looked upon earlier. Swachh Bharat Mission changed this thinking also. When the cleaners received respect, they also felt proud."

"Our focus must be on water conservation, water treatment, and river cleanups. To achieve this, we must continuously invest in new technologies. Moreover, since cleanliness has a significant impact on tourism, we must maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of our tourist destinations, sacred pilgrimage sites, and cultural heritage."

'People mocked me but I won't stop': PM

In 2014 when he assumed power for the first term, Modi started the cleanliness drive including stopping open defecation in the country of 1.4 billion people.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan coincides with the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

On a day the country is celebrating Gandhi Jayanti , Modi said, "Mahatma Gandhi showed us the path to cleanliness. He told us that cleanliness was a vital aspect of our nation's development. Ironically, after India gained independence, those who claimed to follow in Gandhi's footsteps and sought power in his name neglected this very cause! For years, they exploited Gandhi Ji's legacy for political gains but conveniently forgot his emphasis on cleanliness."

"This resulted in people becoming accustomed to living in filth, with dirt and negativity becoming a part of their daily lives. Also, discussions about cleanliness ceased to exist in society... That's why, when I raised this issue from the ramparts of Red Fort, a storm erupted across the nation. People mocked me, saying that talking about toilets wasn't the Prime Minister's job... But I won't stop... As the Prime Minister of Bharat, my top priority is to make life easier for my fellow citizens!"