Anil Kapoor, Anushka Sharma And Sachin Tendulkar Among Others Participate In Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

In the coming days, leading up to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, the Swachh Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kapoor and Anushka Sharma among others will lend their support to the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ initiative. President Ram Nath Kovind on September 15 launched the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva (Cleanliness is Service) campaign to mark the completion of three years of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. In his address, the President made an important point, “Cleanliness is not the responsibility of only sanitation personnel and government departments; it is a multi-stakeholder national movement.” With a vision to make Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a people’s movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Swachh Ambassadors and opinion makers across fields, including industry, sports and cinema, seeking their support to motivate public to adopt safe sanitation practices. As part of this ‘noblest service’ as described by PM Modi in his invitation, Sachin Tendulkar, Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma will participate in Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, ensuring massive outreach to spread the message of cleanliness and undertake shramdaan (contribution of labour) for cleaning of a public place.

Also Read: Cleanliness Drive Begins At Siachen Glacier, Waste To Be Cleared Daily Till October 2

Besides the cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who recently launched ‘Mission 24’ to provide basic sanitation facilities in Mumbai’s slum area in over 24 months, other noted personalities including Anil Kapoor, Nita Ambani, Anushka Sharma and Anil Kapoor will lead the cleanliness campaign in Mumbai, officials said.

Anushka Sharma in a couple of tweets also thanked PM Modi for an invitation to join the #SwachhataHiSeva movement, and said she feels honoured to be a part of #SwachhBharat campaign and will do her best for the noble initiative. The 29-year-old actor in her tweet also shared a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office inviting her to join the cleanliness drive.

I am honoured to be a part of #SwachhBharat campaign and will do my best for the noble initiative of #SwachhataHiSeva (2/2) pic.twitter.com/SrSt2GKBWF

— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) September 17, 2017

On his part Anil Kapoor said, “Thank you PM @narendramodi ji for your invitation to be a part of the noble initiative #SwachhataHiSeva! I am honoured & will do my best!”.

Thank you PM @narendramodi ji for your invitation to be a part of the noble initiative #SwachhataHiSeva! I am honoured & will do my best! pic.twitter.com/q0xv39U8Kt

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 16, 2017

To be part of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ movement, Prime Minister Modi has also invited actor Riteish Deshmukh and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. Also invited to join the initiative was Dr P. Raghu Ram, a Padma Shri recipient and President of the Association of Breast Surgeons of India, to lend his support to the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign and dedicate some time to the cause of a “Swachh Bharat”.

In the letter, PM Modi wrote, “Your contribution to the field of medicine has helped the nation attain distinction in the healthcare sector globally as well as provided relief to the ailing. Your involvement in the cleanliness initiative would be instrumental in building a clean and healthy India.” Responding to Modi’s appeal, Dr Raghu Ram decided to conduct the Swachhata initiative in Ibrahimpur, the village he adopted in a remote part of Telangana.

Riteish Deshmukh also tweeted and said, “Respected @narendramodi ji. I am thrilled to receive this letter from you – It would be my honour to participate in #SwachhataHiSeva movement”.

Respected @narendramodi ji. I am thrilled to receive this letter from you-It would be my honour to participate in SWACHHATA HI SEVA movement pic.twitter.com/4h4pzKnnPy

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) September 22, 2017

Even superstar Rajinikanth extended his full support to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ahead of its third anniversary on October 2. Nominated by Salman Khan as a Swachh ambassador, Rajinikanth, famously known for his movies like Shivaji-The Boss and Robot, tweeted ‘Cleanliness is godliness’.

I extend my full support to our hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji’s #SwachhataHiSeva mission. Cleanliness is godliness.

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 22, 2017

In an effort to create awareness among the people to come forward and become Swachh Warriors to eradicate open defecation, especially in rural areas, the government also telecasted Toilet: Ek Prem Katha on September 17, which was observed as Seva Diwas or day of service. In addition to this, the Gram Panchayats across the country also organised gram sabhas for people to watch the movie and get inspired to contribute for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Sudarsan Pattnaik, a Padma Awardee and internationally acclaimed sand artist, known for creating series of intricate sand sculptures highlighting issues that are of national importance, was also invited by PM Modi to be a part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. In a tweet, he said, “Honoured to receive a letter from Hon. PM @narendramodi Ji to join #SwachhBharat campaign through my SandArt & activities #SwachhataHiSeva”.

Honoured to receive a letter from Hon. PM @narendramodi Ji to join #SwachhBharat campaign through my SandArt & activities #SwachhataHiSeva pic.twitter.com/qgtVttiDs2

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) September 21, 2017

Two personalities from Assam, singer Papon and actress Madhurima have also agreed to be associated with the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. Furthermore, the founder of Global Inter-faith WASH Alliance, Swami Chiddanand will also lead a cleanliness drive along the banks of the river Ganga in Rishikesh on September 25, official sources said.

And on October 2, which marks the completion of three-year landmark of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan efforts, awards for essays, short film and painting competitions that have been held until September 8 will be given.

(With inputs from PTI)