New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur participated in a cleanliness drive during the launch of the nationwide Clean India programme from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Deputy Chief Minister of UP, Keshav Prasad Maurya and MoS Sports, Youth Welfare, Panchayati Raj, UP Upendra Tiwari also graced the occasion. Secretary of Department of Sports, Usha Sharma and senior officials of the State and Centre also attended the event, as per the press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur said that there could not be a better place than Sangam city to start this Clean India programme. The message emanating from here will inspire the whole country. Prayagraj has been an important part of history, once again history is being created here with the launch of a cleanliness drive which will be the largest in the world. Thakur appealed to everyone to take part in this program which will run from October 1 to 31, 2021.
“We are celebrating 75 years of India's independence, our freedom fighters freed the country from the colonialists, now the youth will free the country of garbage. Freedom fighters gave 'balidaan' (sacrifice), we ask for your 'yogdaan' (contribution)”, the Minister exhorted the young volunteers present on the occasion.
Thakur added that Mahatma Gandhi gave the message of cleanliness before independence and after a long gap now Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given Swachchtha Abhiyaan to the country. Within a span of three years only, toilets were provided throughout the country, Thakur reiterated.
Thakur further informed that the aim is to create awareness, mobilize people and ensure their involvement in cleaning waste mainly Single-Use Plastic waste throughout the country. “This mega initiative, 75 lakh kilogram waste mainly plastic waste will be collected and disposed of with the support and voluntary participation of citizen”, he added. After this program, Anurag Thakur started a cleanliness drive in the Sangam area and gave the message of cleanliness.
Thakur said that slogans are not enough, on-ground action is needed. It requires a change in attitude, it will happen only when this realization dawns upon us that garbage gives rise to disease. He added that whether it is Swantrata Sangram or Swachchtha Sangram, youth has always played an important role and I believe this time also youth will become agents of change.
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