Modi washes feet of sanitation workers at Kumbh, says will carry memory life-long

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday took a holy dip at the Sangam here and interacted with sanitation workers, who have ensured cleanliness during the ongoing Kumbh Mela, describing them as "real karma-yogis" whose contributions are being lauded all over.

Modi also performed the Ganga aarti and conducted 'Charan Vandana' (washing the feet) of select sanitation workers, as a mark of respect to their efforts in ensuring a clean Kumbh.

He presented them 'angvastram' and said he would carry the memory of washing the feet of safai karamcharis life-long. In a tweet, he said he prayed for the well-being of 130 crore Indians at the Sangam.

He described all those, who have been involved in ensuring the best of arrangements for the devotees gathering at Prayagraj for the Kumbh, as "real karma-yogis".

In this context, he mentioned the NDRF, the boatmen, the local population, and the sanitation workers as well.

"No one can know the labour they (safai karamcharis) have put in the Kumbh. Cleanliness has been the trademark of this Kumbh," Modi said addressing the Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar programme.

"It is my wish that your blessings remain with me and I continue to work for you."
He said no stone was left unturned to make this "Divya Kumbh" and "Bhavya (grand) Kumbh", and this Kumbh will also be remembered as "digital Kumbh"
Showering praises on people from different sectors engaged in various duties, Modi said, "In Kumbh, there are tap-yogis, hath-yogis and our hardworking karma-yogis. These are the people who have worked day and night to provide security and assistance to the devotees visiting the place."
"The place where more than 20-22 crore people have assembled in the past week, making arrangements at that place is difficult. But, you have proved that nothing is impossible in the world."
Narrating his experience of washing the feet of swachagrahis (safai workers), the prime minister said, "The moments of washing the feet will remain forever etched in my life."
Referring to the Namami Gange Mission, Modi said the nirmalta (pristine nature) of river Ganga would be maintained. "Thirty-two drains falling in Ganga in Prayagraj were closed, and sewage water is diverted to treatment plant, and water is discharged in the river after treatment."
The prime minister also said that this time the "Kumbh has become a triveni (point of confluence) of Adhyatma (spiritualism), Aastha (faith) and Aadhuniktaa (modernity)."