Ministry of Minority Affairs Organizes 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026'; Kiren Rijiju Administers Cleanliness Pledge

The Ministry of Minority Affairs organized the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' event in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Kiren Rijiju. The program featured a cleanliness pledge, Shramdaan (voluntary labor), and a tree plantation campaign.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rijiju stated that cleanliness should not be viewed as a one-time effort but as a continuous responsibility. He emphasized that while cleaning existing waste is important, it is equally essential to create awareness among people to prevent littering in the first place. The Minister clarified that cleanliness is a collective responsibility and should not be considered the sole duty of sanitation workers. He noted that cleanliness must be integrated into daily conduct and advanced in mission mode.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Rijiju mentioned that the Swachh Bharat Mission has created widespread awareness across the country. He called for continuous public participation to strengthen this movement. During the program, Mr. Rijiju administered the cleanliness pledge to the participants, where individuals committed to personal accountability, dedicating time for Shramdaan, and initiating these efforts within their workplaces and neighborhoods. The pledge also recalled Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a clean and developed India.

Discussing environmental protection, the Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in the Name of Mother) initiative. He explained that this campaign inspires every individual to plant at least one tree in honor of their mother. Mr. Rijiju further shared that this initiative has gained international recognition, noting that during his recent visit to Europe, ministers from other countries in Belgrade expressed their awareness of the campaign.

At the conclusion of the event, the Minister participated in the Shramdaan and tree plantation drive alongside the officials and employees of the ministry. This occasion also marked the conclusion of the 'Hindi Pakhwada' organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, where Mr. Rijiju emphasized the importance of Hindi and other Indian languages and the respect for linguistic diversity. Additionally, the Principal of Dayal Singh College spoke on the importance of civic conduct and appealed to the public to contribute to the national resolve for a Clean India.