State observes cleanliness day to mark Gandhi Jayanti
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2011: Mass cleanliness drive, plantation of trees, seminars on peace and various competitions marked the observance of National cleanliness Day in different parts of the State today.

National Cleanliness Day is held every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of global peace and non-violence.

State security units and personnel of different para-military forces, including the CRPF and Assam Rifles joined the observance by conducting cleanliness drive at numerous locations.

On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi organised at Gandhi Memorial Hall here today, Governor Gurbachan Jagat led the people in paying homage to the icon of peace.

While celebrating the National Cleanliness Day we should contribute our best to ensure peaceful co-existence and to make all-out efforts to keep our body, mind and soul clean, stressed the Governor in his address.

Conveying that the Nation is observing National Cleanliness Day all over the country, he also recalled Mahatma Gandhi's struggle for freedom from the British yoke using Non-violence (Ahimsa) as his most powerful weapon.

Gurbachan also reminded that 2nd October is being observed as International Day of Non-violence since 2007 .

"Mahatma Gandhi belongs to the whole world and to all generations.

He stands tall in the gallery of great world leaders and thinkers.

His profound humanism is his message.

An apostle of truth and non-violence, a symbol of indomitable human soul-power, Gandhiji firmly stood for the cause of the downtrodden and oppressed not only in India but also in other parts of the world," said the Governor.

Stating that Gandhiji lived and died for peace and welfare of mankind with his philosophy of non-violent agitation and civil dis-obedience not only leading his own country to independence but also influenced political activists of many persuasions throughout the world, the Governor noted that Mahatma Gandhi's 'novel mode of mass mobilization and non-violent action' brought down colonialism, strengthened the roots of popular sovereignty, of civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle and inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.

He won the affection and love of billions of people all over the world and from both friends and foes alike and he became the Mahatma Great Soul because of his doctrine Ahimsa.

He will be remembered as one of the greatest spiritual forces of all times.

The present generation should try to imbibe the virtues of tolerance and humanism from him so that it will usher in a new era of hope and prosperity in our lives, exhorted the Governor adding that 'Gandhiji was vehemently against hatred between man and man.

He, once, observed that he could not live when the atmosphere was marred with violence and hatred.

What he wanted was the bridge, that connects place to place not walls that divide man from man.

Transcending the social barriers of caste, creed, colour, language and religion, Gandhiji tried to build a peaceful world order and ensure universal brotherhood and friendship.

Peaceful co-existence was his perennial message, highlighted the Governor.

Gandhiji regarded the political independence of India as a beginning of real freedom, that is, economic freedom of the country.

He wanted to work for an India in which the poorest should feel that it was their country and also an India in which all communities should live in perfect harmony.

There could be no room in such an India for the curse of untouchability or the curse of intoxicating drinks or drugs.

Women should enjoy the same rights of men.

This is the India of Gandhiji's dreams.

Mahatma Gandhi always emphasized the need for cleanliness for healthy living.

Healthy people make a healthy nation.

Every year, numerous lives are lost due to the outbreak of various diseases.

One of the main causes is unhygienic and dirty environment.

Therefore, great attention has to be given for removal and disposal of garbage on a regular basis.

The state of cleanliness which we maintain during the observance of the National Cleanliness Day, should be made a regular feature a way of life.

It should not be just a normal observance but a wake-up call for all of us to maintain high standards of cleanliness in our homes, work places, roads, streets and public places, the Gurbachan added.

Ringing similar message as the Governor, Chief Minister O ibobi said observance of National Cleanliness Day not only confines to protecting the environment but also breeds good-will for the society.

While a clean mind and body harbour good-will for others such a quality is absent when the mind is corrupted, he maintained and emphasised that there is need for spreading the message of the Mahatma in every corner of the world.

While the observance at GM Hall was organised by the State Home Department, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee celebrated Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary as non-violence Day at Congress Bhavan, BT Road.

according to a PRO IGAR (S) release, students of Assam Rifles Senior Secondary School, Keithelmanbi planted saplings in and around Keithelmanbi to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary as Green Day.

Green Day was also organised by 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector during which more than 500 saplings were planted.

The programme ended with lectures on how to keep the Earth a greener and healthier place to live in.

On the otherhand, the 27 AR of 9 Sector organised a seminar on International Day of Non-violence during which speakers expressed their view on the importance of non-violence movement in present scenario of Manipur.

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