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MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar flags off 'Swachha Bengaluru' to bring city's lost beauty back

  • “Sanitation is more important than political independence” were Mahatma Gandhi's words
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi too echoed a similar sentiment when he launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, on 2 October 2014
  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar, an MP  from Bengaluru, launched ‘Swachha Bengaluru’ in line with the PM's vision for a clean India
Rajeev Chandrasekhar flags off Swachha Bengaluru a mega cleanathon
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Bengaluru, First Published Oct 2, 2017, 5:19 PM IST

“Sanitation is more important than political independence” 

These were the words of Mahatma Gandhi while leading a non-violent movement for India’s independence from the British in 1947. Gandhiji had stressed on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in the country and wanted everybody, from the ministers to menials alike, to maintain high levels of cleanliness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too echoed a similar sentiment when he launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, on October 2, 2014 with an aim to clean up the country by 2019.

And on Monday, October 2, 2017, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Member of Parliament from Bengaluru, launched ‘Swachha Bengaluru’ in collaboration with United Bengaluru and Let’s Be The Change.

With the blessings of freedom fighter and Gandhian HS Doreswamy, Mr Chandrasekhar kicked off the daylong event at Jayanagar where citizens gathered to clean the streets and paint the walls to make the surrounding look cleaner.

“Bengaluru is our home. If we do not look after our home, do not look after its lakes, look after its environment and neighborhoods and keep them clean, there is a cost that, if not us, our future generations will have to bear,” said Mr Chandrasekhar to Asianet Newsable.

There was also a music event which sang songs promoting personal hygiene and also about saving the green cover of the city.

Mr Chandrasekhar is a leader in lake conservation and has been involved in the cleaning and revival of several lakes in the city.

At a cleanliness event in Halagevadera Halli Lake in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sandalwood star Ganesh lend a helping hand to the people in cleaning the lake and has lent his support to the cause of cleaning up Bengaluru’s lakes.

“’Swachhta hi seva’, is what our bapu Gandhiji said and I do find god in cleanliness. The cleanliness drive at this lake had started two months ago and I have seen the change.  It is heartening to see so many people participating in this drive,” said ‘Golden Star’ Ganesh to Asianet Newsable.

“My message to Bengalureans is that as you live and enjoy this city, as this city serves you and has done well for you, it is time you realize that you have to give back to the city, you have to do your duty by the city. And keeping the city clean, being a responsible citizen that is part of a movement to keep the city clean, is part of what you have to do to give something back to this beautiful city,” said Mr Chandrasekhar.

The initiative was appreciated by the Prime Minister himself who took to twitter to congratulate Mr Chandrasekhar.

 

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