Manipur observes Gandhi Jayanti with cleanliness focus

IMPHAL — Manipur observed the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also marked as Swachh Bharat Diwas, across the state on Thursday, with the state-level programme held at Gandhi Memorial Hall in Imphal.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the programme and led the gathering in paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, senior civil and police officials and members of the public also paid homage to the Father of the Nation.

The programme highlighted Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness, service, truth and non-violence, as well as his vision of a clean and responsible society.

Addressing the gathering, Bhalla said the vision of a clean and sustainable Manipur should be rooted in Gandhi’s teachings of truth, non-violence, simplicity, self-discipline and service.

For Gandhi, cleanliness was not merely about personal hygiene but also reflected inner values, civic responsibility and concern for the well-being of society, the Governor said.

He highlighted the progress made in Manipur under the Swachh Bharat Mission, saying collective efforts by communities had contributed to cleaner villages and public spaces.

Bhalla called for these efforts to be sustained through greater public participation and responsible practices. Every citizen, household and community, he said, had a role in building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Manipur.

In his message on the occasion, the Governor urged people to reaffirm their commitment to Gandhi’s ideals and work towards strengthening unity and social harmony. He also called for greater attention to the welfare of the underprivileged and the values of peace and human dignity.

Chief Minister Khemchand said cleanliness should remain a collective responsibility. He said the state government was taking necessary steps to maintain cleanliness and urged citizens to contribute towards keeping their surroundings and communities clean.