Question

Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Swach Bharat with special reference to his ideology on secularism and his viewpoint on cleanliness.

Answer 1

Cleanliness is Godliness” is the mantra of Mahatma Gandhiji, Father of Nation. He demonstrated, propagated and insisted for individual and community cleanliness throughout his life. Following his footprints, Government of Gujarat launched Nirmal Gujarat Abhiyan from the year 2005. The campaign achieved encouraging results. In order to carry it forward and realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, the community with in fact sanitation and cleanliness of the State Government launched Mahatma Gandhi Swachhata Mission on 26/02/2014 with a vision to make Gujarat open defecation free, Zero waste, dust free and green. The Government of India has launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on 2/10/2014 with a vision to dedicate Clean India on 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2/10/2019. Mahatma Gandhi Swachhata Mission is integrated with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan towards realizing this laudable vision.

Answer 2

Indians gained freedom under the leadership of Gandhiji, but his dream of a clean India is still unfulfilled. Mahatma Gandhi said "Sanitation is more important than independence". He made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of the Gandhian way of living. His dream was total sanitation for all. Cleanliness is most important for physical well-being and a healthy environment. It has bearing on public and personal hygiene. It is essential for everyone to learn about cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation and the various diseases that are caused due to poor hygienic conditions. The habits learnt at a young age get embedded into one's personality. Even if we inculcate certain habits like washing hands before meals, regular brushing of teeth, and bathing from a young age, we are not bothered about cleanliness of public places. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
Gandhiji dwelt on cleanliness and good habits and pointed out its close relationship to good health. No one should spit or clean his nose on the streets. In some cases the sputum is so harmful that the germs infect others. In some countries spitting on the road is a criminal offence. Those who spit after chewing betel leaves and tobacco have no consideration for the feelings of others. Spittle, mucus from the nose, etc, should also be covered with earth.