KOHIMA, OCTOBER 15: Commemorating ‘Swacch Bharat Day’ today at Government High School, New Market, Kohima, teachers were told on the need to impart sanitation education in the classrooms, which in turn could make a great impact to society.
The programme was organised by the School Management Committee of GHS, New Market, in collaboration with Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) and graced by Mission Director of RMSA, Limawabang Aier, as the chief guest and the Administrator of KMC, Kovi Meyase, as the guest of honour.
Highlighting on the apathetic attitude of the Nagas on cleanliness particularly in disposing waste and garbage, Limawabang Aier humorously said, ‘Our sins are usually washed away with the coming of the monsoon.’
Pointing out the civic sense of many people are confined to cleaning our homes and throwing garbage at our neighbour’s garden without any compunction, Aier asserted such attitudes and mindsets need to be changed for the better.While toilets are being constructed in the schools under Swacch Bharat Mission, Aier maintained that it is the duty and responsibility of the teachers and the students to maintain the same by keeping it clean. He also asked the teachers to teach the students the basics of cleanliness and questioned, ‘if we don’t have the sense of ownership towards our school, then what are we giving to our future generations?’
Terming sanitation as the most important and basic requirement towards the progress of any nation, Kovi Meyase lamented this aspect has been neglected for too long. Asserting sanitation as ‘social responsibility,’ Meyase remarked that keeping the city clean cannot be left to the government and the KMC alone.
He also appealed the teachers and students to sincerely dedicate 2 hours in a week, 17 minutes a day towards cleaning their school and its surroundings, which in turn, he said will be a new trail blazer for others to emulate in days to come.
Chairman SMC, Apao Rhezhü, who chaired the programme, proposed the incorporation of Swacch class in the school and teach the students basic hygienic and sanitation practices not only in the schools, but at home and outside too.
He was optimistic that once this comes into reality, the students will make a difference in the society. He called upon the concerned authority to find ways to make this a reality and a success.
The programme concluded by undertaking the ‘Swacch Pledge’ led by Mission Director, RMSA, Limawabang Aier.
