Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 2 (EMN): Gandhi Jayanti or National Cleanliness Day was observed across the state of Manipur in commemoration of the 148th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Monday.
A state level observation was held with the state Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla and Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh as chief guest and functional president at the Gandhi Memorial Hall in Imphal.The cabinet ministers, chief secretary, senior officials also attended the observation.
Addressing the function, Governor Dr Heptulla said that the state of cleanliness which is maintained 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 to maintain high standards of cleanliness in our homes, workplace, roads, streets and public place.
She pointed out that the Swachhta Hi Seva, ‘Cleanliness is Service’, a campaign which started from September 15 and concluded on Gandhi Jayanti, is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.On the other hand, Chief Minister Biren said that people should not only focus on cleaning their surroundings, but also aim to free their minds of negativity, hatred, enmity, communalism and corrupt thoughts.
Urging the masses to maintain peaceful co-existence, he said, “Good thoughts will pave the way to a better society and lead to progress and development of the nation.”
Informing that the Imphal Evenings which is scheduled to be launched tonight is an initiative to provide family- oriented evening life, he sought support and cooperation from the public for the successful implementation of the new government.
Conveying that several welfare schemes for the people are in the pipeline, Biren also asserted that since his government was formed, several potholes had been mended and repaired however, incessant rain over the past few months has resulted in the washing away of the repaired roads.
There are also reports of observing National Cleanliness Day at various parts of the state. Former Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi led congress leaders also attended Gandhi Jayanti function at Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (I) office at Congress Bhavan in Imphal.
Meanwhile in continuation of the Swachhta Pakhwada (Cleanliness fortnight), security personnel mostly Manipur Police and Manipur Rifles stationed at various locations including those in the district headquarters conducted cleanliness drive at their respective areas.
As part of the program, a cleanliness drive was also conducted in the Mini Secretariat of Senapati district under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, Athem Muivah.
