PM Modi hails children as 'biggest ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'

Lauding young children for their contribution towards the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' or Clean India mission launched in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said they have become the biggest ambassadors of the movement.

"Kids have become the biggest ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. There are many young children whose contribution I have seen on social media. Earlier, teachers used to get questioned for making children clean classrooms. Now, this has played a huge role in the movement. The kids are applying this in their homes as well, making sure cleanliness is maintained. If they can do it, why can't adults?" he said, while addressing an event organised in lieu of the third anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Lauding the media for their contribution towards the success of the movement, Prime Minister Modi said they have taken the brunt of the movement and made sure it reaches all the required places, be it print, electronic or any other path of media.

Talking about open defecation and the need to build and use toilets, Prime Minister Modi stated that while our society is accustomed to certain ways of life, there is a need to bring a change to this, adding that every stage of development involves collective contribution from the society as a whole.

"In many places, toilets have been built for use. But in one such instance, when I went back to inspect the usage, I saw animals tied up inside. Any development is impossible without cooperation from the society. There is a need to be more accountable and responsible, especially as leaders," he said.

Further, Prime Minister Modi re-iterated that while the solution is not in placing blame on any particular individual or group, there is a need to unite and work towards taking India to greater heights.

"There is a need for us to change ourselves in a way to ensure that open defecation is ended. I have seen women abstaining from using any other ways other than toilets. This is something even we, as men, need to learn. Additionally, by using clean toilets, we can save the costs involved in treating various diseases, and also boost tourism by keeping our surroundings clean," he said.

Explaining the Swachh Bharat Mission as one about 'both 'Vyavastha' (systems) and 'Vichar' (thought process and mindset)', Prime Minister Modi urged the participants of the movement and others to keep the momentum stable.

"I congratulate all those who supported and took part in the Swachhata Hi Seva movement. I keep saying- this is the start. We should continue the momentum built by the movement. On the birth anniversary of Pujya Bapu and Shastri ji, let us dedicate ourselves to create a clean India," he concluded.

'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was launched on this day in 2014 by the NDA government to make people aware about the advantages of cleanliness.

The drive completes its three years today.