CM urges people to follow ideals of Mahatma Gandhi
ITANAGAR, 2 Oct: Chief Minister Pema Khandu called upon people to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly truth, non-violence, simplicity and service.
Addressing the 'Swachh Bharat Diwas' celebration organized by the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) under the 'Swachhta Hi Seva-2026' campaign on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Khandu urged people to devote 100 hours a year, or around two hours every week, to keeping their surroundings clean.
The chief minister said public participation in cleanliness was essential in maintaining sanitation.
Khandu also launched the 'Swachhta Vahaan,' an initiative aimed at spreading awareness about cleanliness. He also administered a cleanliness pledge to students and volunteers attending the programme.
The event began with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in remembrance of his ideals and contribution to the nation.
Chief secretary Manish Kumar said Gandhi Jayanti should also be an occasion to renew the collective commitment towards public sanitation.
He urged people to pledge to keep their surroundings clean.
IMC commissioner Kego Jilen appealed to residents of the capital to work towards keeping Itanagar clean and green. He also urged the chief minister to enhance the IMC's budget to meet its growing requirements.
Gandhi Jayanti was also observed across the state, remembering Gandhi's values of service, dignity of labor, truth and non-violence.
At Poma in Papum Pare district, a tree plantation drive under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' was organized as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.
The plantation drive was carried out at Bini Yanga Government Women's College, with the participation of public representatives, officials, Self Help Groups, NGOs and local residents.
The celebrations, organised by the Poma Gram Segment Panchayat in collaboration with the department of Panchayati Raj, also featured a Special Gram Sabha at the Poma Community Hall.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Ojing Tasing, Daporijo MLA Tanya Soki, Panchayati Raj director Tajing Jonnom, ZPC Bamang Yayu and ZPM Baba Kinu also joined the programmes.
Addressing the gathering, Tasing described the initiative as a befitting tribute to the Father of the Nation. He said that since the launch of Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan in 2014, people from different sections of society and organisations across various sectors have joined the cleanliness movement.
The minister lauded the conduct of the Special Gram Sabha and stressed the importance of youth-centric and women-centric programmes, observing that the progress of villages and society is closely linked to the progress of youth and women. He also urged people to learn more about Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and other rural development initiatives and avail the opportunities available under them.
Highlighting the role of the Arunachal Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and Self Help Groups, Tasing said SHGs have emerged as important platforms for rural women to participate in discussions, share knowledge and strengthen their livelihoods.
Soki appreciated the proceedings of the Special Gram Sabha and the focus on sanitation, cleanliness, tourism promotion and network connectivity in the Poma-Sandupota area.
ZPM Baba Kinu said that the Poma Gram Segment Panchayat has launched the "Poma Rising" campaign with a focus on cleanliness and environmental conservation. He said that fishing and hunting have been prohibited in the area for the past few years.
The Panchayati Raj director also spoke on the occasion, emphasising the importance of community participation in cleanliness and rural development.
As part of the programme, the SIRD team conducted a practical demonstration on waste segregation and preparation of a compost pit, promoting sustainable waste-management practices at the grassroots level.
At Ziro in Lower Subasniri district, deputy commissioner Oli Perme led others in offering floral tributes to the statue of Gandhi.
On the occasion, the district administration honoured Safaimitras and community members for their service to public hygiene, followed by a mass cleanliness drive, covering government offices, schools, residential colonies, market areas, and hospital premises, led by the executive engineer of urban development & housing.
The DC commended the overwhelming public participation, stating that true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi lies in embedding cleanliness, civic responsibility, and mutual respect into the daily life.
At Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and second prime minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri were celebrated in a befitting manner at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS).
Floral tributes were paid to the portraits of Gandhi and Shastri. A peace march was also organized.
Deputy commissioner Ashok Tajo also joined the celebration and interacted with the students. He advised students to imbibe the values and principles of Gandhi in their daily lives and strive to become responsible and compassionate human beings.
DDSE Duhon Tekseng exhorted the students to be sincere, disciplined and hardworking in their academic pursuits.
GHSS Yingkiong principal Lutni Perme urged the students to keep the timeless teachings of Gandhi close to their hearts. He said that values such as truth, non-violence, simplicity and perseverance can serve as guiding principles and inspire young minds to move forward in life with conviction and determination.
At Raga in Kamle district, the district administration celebrated Swachh Bharat Diwas to mark Gandhi's birth anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, the SP emphasized the importance of cleanliness and urged the youth to adopt cleanliness as a way of life and also educate the public about its significance.
Raga assistant commissioner Aand Padi Tapa also addressed the gathering.
Various literacy completions were conducted by department of urban development and winners were awarded certificates and trophies.
A plantation drive in Raga township was also organized by various departments and stakeholders under 'Ek Ped Maa ki Naam' campaign.
At Palin in Kra Daadi district, the department of urban affairs concluded the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign by observing Swachh Bharat Diwas, marking Gandhi's birth anniversary.
DC Higio Yame led others in paying floral tribute to Gandhi, followed by distribution of certificates of merit to the winners of 'Waste-to-Art,' essay, drawing, and Swachhata Sports competitions, along with a special recognition award for the Best Sanitation Worker for dedicated service.
The DC urged the public to integrate strict cleanliness protocols into their daily lives well beyond the campaign duration to eliminate preventable health hazards, before administering the official Swachhata Pledge to the gathered assembly.
Underscoring the critical link between civic sanitation and public health outcomes, ADC Rido Tarak recalled witnessing rampant cases of various diseases due to unhygienic conditions in the region during his childhood, noting that heightened institutional and public awareness of hygiene has successfully driven down such disease rates today.
The assistant engineer of DUDA highlighted the technical importance of municipal hygiene, focusing extensively on public compliance regarding the four-way source segregation of waste.
At Yachuli in Keyi Panyor district, the district administration celebrated Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas with a special plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by DC Ankita Mishra, followed by floral tributes to Gandhi in remembrance of his ideals and enduring contributions to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Mishra highlighted three core philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi-Swachhata (Cleanliness), Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment) and Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar).
She said that these timeless principles, when integrated into everyday life and collective action, can serve as a unified blueprint for building a just, healthy and empowered society.
She also underscored the importance of cleanliness, environmental responsibility and community participation in achieving sustainable development, urging everyone to translate the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi into meaningful action.
As part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, the DC, along with the participating officials and the public, planted saplings across the district secretariat building and its premises.
Himalayan University, in collaboration with Jollang Panchayat, organised a mass social service programme at Jullang village, as a befitting tribute to Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary.
Faculty, staff, students, NSS volunteers, and local community members participated in the programme held under the theme "Swachhata Hi Seva - Ek Kadam Swachhata Ki Ore."
At Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district, the district administration organised a mass social service to mark Gandhi Jayanti.
Addressing the gathering, DC Tasso Gambo highlighted the ideologies and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Gambo sought public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in Daporijo town. He said that keeping the town clean requires collective responsibility and active participation from all sections of society.
UD & housing department executive engineer SC Maru spoke on the significance of Gandhi Jayanti and the importance of cleanliness and social responsibility.
At Tato in Shi Yomi, the district administration, in collaboration with the District Art & Culture Office, Urban & Development Department and District Sports Office organised a marathon from Zero point Tato, followed by a cleanliness drive underscoring the importance of a clean, healthy and drug-free society as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebration and International Day of Non-Violence.
DC Manjunath R, ZPC Tanya Rinya attended the programme and spoke on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, and his messages of truth, nonviolence, cleanliness and self-reliance.
The SP highlighted the rising issue of addiction and ill effects of drug abuse.
Our Correspondent adds: At Pasigaht in East Siang district, medical & health department staff of Pasighat Bakin Pertin General Hospital organized a programme to mark Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence. The event aimed to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and institutional cleanliness through active participation from administrative staff, medical officers, nursing personnel, and healthcare workers.
Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering attended Gandhi Jayanti programme at Siang Girls' Hostel and exhorted girl students to emulate Gandhiji's principle of non-violence.
Pasighat Municipal Council and Pasighat Market Association jointly conducted a cleanliness drive at the market complex on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
At Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Gandhi Gayanti was celebrated with various programmes including cleanliness drive under the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign and felicitation of the Safai Mitras and NSS volunteers. The programme was organized by the Swachhata Hi Seva Committee and Coordinators at the RGU Mini Auditorium.
As part of the celebration, a cleanliness drive was conducted from the Old Auditorium to the Mini Auditorium, with more than 200 numbers of participation from students, NSS volunteers, faculty members, officers and other members of the University community.
The Safai Mitras were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated and tireless services in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the University campus during the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. Sanitary inspector Lika Thalian along with the Safai Mitra team received special acknowledgment for their valuable contribution towards keeping the campus clean and green.
The NSS volunteers of RGU were also felicitated in recognition of their active participation and contribution to the cleanliness drive and various activities conducted under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign.
Addressing the gathering, vice-chancellor prof. Shivaraj emphasized the importance of making cleanliness a continuous practice and a collective responsibility. He encouraged the University community to work together towards building a clean, healthy and sustainable campus, while upholding the values of Mahatma Gandhi.
Finance officer (i/c) prof. Vandana Upadhyay commended the dedicated efforts of the Safai Mitras and NSS volunteers and expressed her gratitude for their continued service and contribution towards maintaining the cleanliness and green environment of the RGU campus.
The programme also highlighted the importance of Gandhian values such as truth, simplicity, service and social responsibility, and encouraged students and members of the University community to carry forward the message of Swachhata beyond the campaign period.
IISYD deputy registrar and NSS programme officer Gomar Basar, in his address, highlighted the importance of cleanliness in the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and emphasized that cleanliness should be treated not merely as a civic duty but as a way of life.
University faculty members, staff, students, NSS volunteers and other members of the University community attended the programme.
At Basar in Leparada district, Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence were observed at Marto Kamdak Multipurpose Cultural Hall (MKMCH). The programme was organised by the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) to commemorate the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The participants took the Swachhata Pledge, non-violence and peace pledge, and Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi highlighted the importance of cleanliness, environmental conservation and active community participation in building a healthier and sustainable society. She also called for concerted efforts towards achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat, particularly emphasising the role of youth, community leaders and other stakeholders in preventing substance abuse and addressing the menace of drugs.
Deputy commissioner Himani Meena, addressing the gathering, recalled the continued relevance of teachings of Mahatma Gandhi on peace, non-violence and service to humanity. She emphasised that cleanliness should not be viewed solely as a government responsibility but as a collective social commitment requiring the participation of every section of society.
EE (UD) Nabam Kai briefed the gathering on various activities being undertaken across Leparada district under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign.
A plantation drive was conducted around the MKMCH complex with the support of the forest department to mark the occasion.
A music video on cleanliness was released by MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi, while an awareness video on cleanliness was released by deputy commissioner Himani Meena. Certificates and trophies were also distributed to individuals and teams in recognition of their participation and contribution to cleanliness-related activities conducted under the SHS-2026 campaign. The winners and runners-up of the volleyball championship organised as part of the campaign were also felicitated.
As part of the district-wide observance of Swachhata Diwas under the SHS-2026 campaign, Special Gram Sabhas were also conducted by the District Panchayat office in Basar. Panchayat leaders and local communities participated in Shramdaan and plantation activities under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign across various Gram Panchayats.
At Tezu in Lohit district, Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated highlighting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly truth, peace, communal harmony and non-violence.
In his address, deputy commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo recalled the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and urged the gathering, especially the younger generation, to imbibe Gandhian values in their daily lives.
Government officials, students and members of the public attended the celebration. The participants took non-violence pledge during the programme. (DIPROs/PTI)
