Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said the cleanliness campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has evolved into a people’s movement across the country, including in the northeastern state.
Khandu said the initiative had grown into a mass movement involving districts and villages across Arunachal Pradesh. Recalling the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, he urged students to carry the habit of cleanliness from schools to their homes, villages, workplaces and offices.
The chief minister joined students, teachers, NCC cadets and officials in a cleanliness drive at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School in Itanagar, marking the state rollout of Swachhta Hi Seva 2026, a month-long campaign focused on cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility.
The campaign is being observed under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat” and coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s birthday.
Khandu appealed to citizens to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday by lighting a lamp at their homes or places of worship and praying for his good health and long life, as well as for the continued success of his efforts in the service of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Khandu said cleanliness should not be confined to school campuses but should become part of everyday life. He also highlighted improvements in sanitation and hygiene following the cleanliness campaign.
The chief minister recalled that PM Modi had made sanitation and the elimination of open defecation a key part of his first Independence Day address in 2014. Since then, toilets have been constructed in villages and households across Arunachal Pradesh through Central and state government initiatives, he said.
The month-long state-wide campaign will feature around 12 programmes, including cleanliness-related competitions for school students. Art and speech competitions will be held at the district level, with district winners advancing to the state level.
“These are small things but a very good habit. When the mind is clean, wisdom also works in the right direction,” Khandu said, linking cleanliness and orderliness with discipline and responsible living.
He also announced that Seva Aapke Dwar camps would be organised across all districts during the month to connect villagers with government services and facilities provided by the state and Central governments.
Khandu encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms constructively, saying they offer opportunities for learning and acquiring knowledge when used appropriately.
He also stressed the importance of sports for physical and mental well-being. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s achievements in sports, Khandu said athletes from the state had won more than 1,000 medals at national and international levels over the last decade.
He further said Arunachali athletes in Wushu and Taekwondo had been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking the first time athletes from the state would participate in the continental event.
The state has also initiated a framework for Mission Olympics through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
(IANS Inputs)
