*Cleanliness drives organized under ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: Like entire nation, the birth anniversaries of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi and 3rd Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri was celebrated across the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh today. Meanwhile, cleanliness drives were also organized in various parts of the both the UTs under 15-day-long ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas.
J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) organized impressive functions in Jammu as well as in Srinagar to pay rich tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and 3rd Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries today. Addressing an impressive function held at Srinagar Party Office, JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra said that in J&K’s current challenging situation, he firmly believe that embracing the Gandhian path is the need of the hour.
“We are fighting for our fundamental rights, statehood, and dignity and this can only be achieved through Gandhi’s style of non-violent resistance. We honor Gandhi’s legacy and recognize its profound relevance in our times. Let us strive to build a brighter future for J&K, founded on the principles of love, compassion, and non-violence,” he added while paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
He said as they honor Gandhi’s legacy, they also remember Lal Bahadur Shastri. “His iconic slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ resonated with the people and emphasized the importance of soldiers and farmers. Under his leadership, India made significant strides in food production through the Green Revolution and increased milk supply through the White Revolution,” Karra said while paying tributes to Lal Bhadur Shastri. He further said that Shastri’s vision for a socialist democracy, where everyone has freedom and prosperity, aligns with our goals.
In Jammu, the JKPCC held an impressive function at PCC HQ Shahidi Chowk, where floral tributes were paid Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The function was presided over by Raman Bhalla (vice president PCC). Addressing the gathering, Raman Bhalla said that the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is relevant for all times to come and even more relevant today when an atmosphere of conflicts and violence prevails in different parts of the world. Today is the time that those who truly believe in his ideology must follow and strengthen his ideology for the unity and integrity of the country, he asserted.
Bhalla also remembered the contributions of Lal Bhadur Shastri. He recalled his outstanding role in the freedom struggle and later in different capacities especially as Prime Minister. He said that Shastri was the symbol of honesty, integrity and dedications towards the nation. Ravinder Sharma (senior vice president PCC), Ved Mahajan, (vice president PCC), Gurmukh Singh, Th Manmohan Singh and many leaders were present on the occasion. Similar functions where held in Anantnag, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara where DCC presidents and other senior leaders paid floral tributes to Gandhi and Shastri on their birth anniversaries.
National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah also paid homage to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary. He said that the Gandhi Jayanti is not only commemorated as the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi but also his timeless values of non-violence, social justice and communal harmony. “It was he who saw the ray of hope in Kashmir when the rest of the country had been taken over by the communal frenzy. We the people of J&K also saw the paradise of our ideas in the efforts of Gandhi. It was in his vision of a free India that we saw the dream of Naya Kashmir come true. It was his ideology that drove J&K towards India,” Dr Abdullah said.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retired) attended the concluding ceremony of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign under the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’ at the LG’s Secretariat in Leh. To mark the occasion, the LG inaugurated the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities for safai karamchari of Municipal Committee Leh established at Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plant in Leh and felicitated Ghulam Hadi and Deachen Yangzes (Safai Mitras) with cheques of Rs 20,000 each. He also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on the occasion.
First Lady Neelam Mishra, Advisor to the LG Dr Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Sanjeev Khirwar, Director of Urban Local Bodies Moses Kunzang and other senior officers were present during the event.
The Srinagar wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, under the directions of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan, celebrated the Swachh Bharat Divas. The event was attended by Registrar Judicial Farooq Ahmad Bhat besides all officers and officials who collectively made commitment towards contributing their efforts in achieving comprehensive cleanliness throughout the country.
In Jammu wing of the High Court, a cleanliness drive under the directions of Registrar General Shahzad Azeem and supervision of Registrar Judicial Sandeep Kour, was conducted in the High Court Complex and adjoining areas in which Judicial Officers, officials of the registry and CRPF personnel participated. Among others present were Rajender Sapru (Registrar Rules), Mayank Gupta (Joint Registrar Judicial/Protocol), Jeewan Sharma (Secretary, High Court Legal Service Committee) and others.
District Judiciary Kathua in cooperation with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kathua observed ‘Swachh Bharat Diwas’ on the eve of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ with a message to spread awareness about cleanliness drive in the District Court premises Kathua, followed by a rally from Mukherjee Chowk to Shaheedi Chowk Kathua. It was organized under the guidance of the Chairman DLSA Kathua Jatinder Singh Jamwal (Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kathua) by Secreatary DLSA Kathua Kamiya Singh Andotra. Parvin Pandoh (Additional District and Sessions Judge Kathua), Munish Kumar Manhas (CJM Kathua), Viren Magotra (Ld. Munsiff/JMIC Kathua) also attended the event.
DLSA organized a cleanliness drive in District Court Complex Kargil and neighbouring areas. The event was attended by Wangial Tsering (CJM Kargil), Chemit Yurgyal (Secretary, DLSA Kargil) and many others.The event began with the Swachhata Pledge in which all the participants pledged to spare two hours per week to voluntarily work for Cleanliness and also pledged that they shall neither litter not let others litter. Later, the participants cleaned District Court Complex at Kargil and then cleanliness drive was carried in the neighbouring areas till the Iqbal Bridge.
As part of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign, a massive cleanliness drive was held at Civil Secretariat, Leh. This was the culmination of the weeklong cleanliness activity undertaken by the officials serving in the Civil Secretariat, who undertook weeding out old records, obsolete items etc, to make their own workspaces clean. Officers and officials from various Departments cleaned the entire premises of Civil Secretariat, Hill Council Secretariat and Culture Academy Leh. Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar and Administrative Secretary Michael D’Souza joined the cleanliness campaign.
DLSA Bandipora in collaboration with District Judiciary and Municipal Council Bandipora held a cleanliness drive at District court Complex Bandipora, under the supervision of Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Bandipora and guidance of Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon (Secretary DLSA Bandipora). The event commenced with the “Swachhata Pledge”, followed by cleanliness drive. In addition, two more cleanliness drives were undertaken at Talukas, one at Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Sumbal under the chairmanship of Rahila Rashid Chairman TLSC (Munsiff/JMIC) Sumbal and another at TLSC Gurez under the chairmanship of Mehak Mehboob Chairman TLSC (Munsiff/JMIC) Gurez.
In observance of Gandhi Jayanti, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) organized a special function today at ‘Muskan’ Home for Mentally Challenged Children at Chhani Rama. The event was graced by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, along with Commissioner JMC Dr Devansh Yadav and other dignitaries, who paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi as well as Lal Bahadur Shastri. Prominent attendees included ADC Jammu Ansuya Jamwal, Joint Commissioner (R&E), Rakesh Gupta, Joint Commissioner (H&S) Abdul Star, Joint Commissioner (Works) Firdous Ahmad Qazi, Deputy Commissioner (North) JMC Sanjay Badyal and DC (South) JMC Lal Chand.
DC/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, inaugurated segregation sheds in Pashkum and Sodh Blocks as part of the “Swachhta Hi Seva” campaign. ACD Kargil Padma Angmo, DPO Kargil Rehmatullah Bhat, BDO Dr Sarwar Shahzad, BDO Sodh Twangchokh, RDD Kargil officials and sanitation workers from various blocks were present. To appreciate works of sanitation workers, a cash reward of Rs 1000 was handed over to every sanitation worker operating in different blocks of the district. On the occasion, the DC announced that the Kargil administration will bear the premium for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana for all segregation workers in the district.
Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in collaboration with the Municipal Council Ganderbal organized a massive cleanliness drive under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. The drive was held by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of the Varsity within the premises of Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple Tullmulla, Ganderbal. The event was graced by the presence of Prof A Ravinder Nath, Vice Chancellor, Dean Academic Affairs Prof Shahid Rasool, Prof Syed Zahoor Geelani (Dean School of Education), along with other Deans and Heads of various departments.
The Girls’ Hostel at Central University of Jammu (CUJ) became a hub of creativity and cleanliness awareness as a series of events marked the conclusion of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign. The events included a poster competition, collage-making competition, poetry writing competition, and documentary-making competition. Prof Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor CUJ, lauded the initiative for fostering awareness about cleanliness and sustainability within the campus community and emphasized the importance of continuing such efforts in everyday life.
Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) commemorated 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by paying rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Akbar Masood. In his message, Prof Akbar emphasized the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness and simplicity in contemporary society, linking it to the goals of the Swachh Bharat mission. On the occasion, the Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies and Research organized a lecture on the theme ‘ Mahatma Gandhi in Contemporary Times’. The lecture was delivered by Dr Danish Iqbal Raina.
To commemorate and honour Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of peace and service, University of Kashmir (KU) organized a series of events on his birth anniversary. KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, who inaugurated the celebrations, emphasized the continued relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s world. KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal and Dean Students Welfare Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah were also present. Key events of the day included a conference on “Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Non-Violence”, a plantation drive and a campus-wide cleanliness drive.
NSS unit of SMVDU Katra organized a cleanliness drive at Nau Devi temple in Katra under the campaign ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’. The volunteers of SMVDU also organized awareness session for the nearby shopkeepers to keep the area clean. NSS Coordinators, Sadhvi Sharma and Abhishek Sharma led the whole drive. NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr. Rajiv Kumar was also present. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pragati Kumar appreciated the efforts of NSS volunteers.
To commemorate Gandhi Jayanti, NSS Unit of GDC Sidhra in collaboration with Department of Sociology under the aegis of IQAC, organized a symposium on the theme ‘Truth and Non-Violence’. The programme began with welcome address by Prof. Shonima Malhotra. Students from different semesters took the stage to deliver inspiring speeches on the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. G.S Rakwal, Principal of the College.
Remembering the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Government College for Women, Parade organized a two-week campaign under ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ initiative and the participants undertook a Swachhta pledge. The campaign also included plantation drives. Creative outlets were also provided through essay writing competitions and a walkathon, aimed at raising awareness about cleanliness and health. The activities culminated on Gandhi Jayanti, wherein Principal, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo emphasized the importance of these initiatives in instilling a culture of cleanliness and social responsibility.
To celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, Government Degree College Mahanpur organized a series of activities which were coordinated by Dr. Rupalee Jasrotia, NSS Programme Officer under the supervision of Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Sudan, Principal of the College. Floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi. Essay writing competition and elocution competition on the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi were also organized.
GGM Science College, under the guidance of Principal Prof (Dr) Romesh Kumar Gupta, organized a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Lala Hans Raj Mahajan (Sher-e-Duggar) on their birth anniversaries. The event was organized under the supervision of NSS Program Officer Dr Rahul Kait, in collaboration with Dr Ashaq Hussain, co-convener of the Cultural, Seminars, and Debate Committee of the College. The occasion featured a range of activities including speeches, skits on communal harmony, and a painting competition, highlighting the achievements and contributions of these three iconic leaders. Dr Seema Gandotra (convener, Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict studies of the College) along with other members Dr Shalni Sharma, Prof Sunita Kumari and Prof Mehnaz Banoo also participated in another function held at GCW Parade Ground Jammu on eve of Gandhi Jayanti which was marked by a special address by J&K LG Manoj Sinha via online mode.
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with an insightful discussion on ‘Swadeshi, Swacchta, and the Relevance of Gandhi’s Ideologies in Today’s World’. Students from English Journalism, Hindi Journalism, and Digital Media were present in the gathering. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students who expressed their deep appreciation for Gandhi’s teachings. Students also delved into the importance and need of ‘swachhta’ (cleanliness). They expressed how Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, simplicity, and sustainability inspire them.
Modern Montessori International (MMI) Preschool, Jammu celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with pomp and show in the school premises, and paid homage to the Father of the Nation. During the event, children were made aware of the values that Mahatma Gandhi represents: truth, non-violence, simplicity & self-reliance. Children from playgroup and pre-nursery participated in Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. They cleaned their surroundings and road to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. Kindergarten and Nursery students enacted on Gandhi’s three monkeys, who teach: Hear no Evil; See no Evil; Speak no Evil. Aveer Mallik from KG dressed as Bapu talked about Gandhi while Madhav from Playgroup dressed as Father of Nation lead the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. Director of MMI Sapna Rohmetra, Principal Pragya Gupta and entire staff of the School paid homage to Gandhiji on the occasion.
Braham Jyot Satti (Incharge BJP OBC Morcha JK-UT) along with other BJP leaders paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries at Ward number 29, Shakti Nagar, Jammu. Perveen badyal (district vice president OBC Morcha), Darshna Choudhary (senior leader BJP), Bharat Bushan (Kaka) and social activist Sachin Choudhary were present on the occasion. On the occasion, OBC Morcha Team pledged to follow the principles of ‘Satya ‘ and ‘Ahimsa’ given by Gandhi.
Rich Harvest School celebrated Gandhi Jayanti cum Swachhata Diwas. In this regard rich tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi via poetry recitation and speeches. The staff and students took a pledge to keep their localities clean and healthy. Head of the Institute Anita Bhatia urged the students to inculcate the teachings of Gandhi Ji for progress and growth of our great Nation.
A cleanliness drive was organized under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by Army Public School, Akhnoor at Ambaran village to motivate the students at budding stage. About 40 students including 20 NCC cadets participated in the drive with zeal and enthusiasm and cleaned the public spaces and carried out solid waste management under the guidance of their teachers.
Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated at Sai Shyam Educational Society Ghou-Manhasan, Jammu. The programme started with lightening of traditional lamp by Chairman of the College, C.L Tickoo and this was followed by Saraswati Vandhana. NSS volunteers of the College led by the College Principal, Dr. Ravi Thaploo and NSS Program Officer, Komal Sambyal conducted cleanliness in and around the vicinity of the College. In welcome address Principal Sai Shyam Public Higher Secondary School, Sanjeew Pandita threw light on the importance of Gandhi Jayanti. Dr. Usha Tickoo (Director Sai Shyam Educational Society) also spoke on the occasion.
Government High School Dekri Edu Zone Inderwal celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with pomp and show. A quiz competition focused on the life of Mahatma Gandhi was organized which was followed by painting competition. Headmaster Joginder Lal urged the students to carry forward the legacy of Gandhi Ji.
Jammu Airport today launched ‘Swachhta Abhiyaan Special Campaign 4.0’-a month-long cleanliness drive as part of its commitment to create a clean and hygienic environment. The inaugural event of the campaign was led by Airport Director, S.K Garg, B.M Kaul, GM (Engg)-Project and CASO CISF, Daniel Dhanraj, who actively participated in the cleanliness drive along with other staff members. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from various teams and departments, highlighting airport’s collaborative efforts to support Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
To celebrate ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regimental Centre Jabalpur organized a cleanliness campaign around Shivaji Ground and Sadar Bazar in Jabalpur Military Station. The drive was spearheaded by Brigadier Rakesh Sharma, Commandant, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regimental Centre. Troops participated actively by cleaning public places including roads, drains and toilets and collected the waste by eco-friendly disposal methods.
To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for a cleaner and greener India, Indian Army hosted a Swachh Bharat Abhivan and Tree Plantation Drive on Gandhi Jayanti at Lam, Rajouri. The event started with cleanliness drive. Volunteers, including students, local residents and community leaders, engaged in a cleanup effort, collecting litter and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment. A tree plantation drive was held at Lam School, where over 32 saplings were planted. The event concluded with a collective pledge from students and teachers to commit to cleanliness and environmental care.
Gandhi Global Family J&K organized a function to commemorate 155th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation at historic Dewan-e-Aam, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Jammu. I.D Soni, presided over the function and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi along with others. Speaking on the occasion, I.D Soni highlighted the philosophy of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi and its importance in present times. Dr. S P Varma, President, Gandhi Global Family J&K said that Gandhian principles offer valuable insights to address contemporary global challenges. Birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri was also celebrated.
On Gandhi Jayanti, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) paid floral tributes to Gandhi Ji at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi. Atul Sobti, Director General and Member, Governing Council, ILO garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and said: “As the nation treads towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’, Gandhiji’s teachings of being self-reliant hold more relevance.
On Gandhi Jayanti, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari paid glowing tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and said that teachings and principles of Gandhi Ji will forever serve as a beacon of light for our nation, guiding us toward a life of peace and harmony.
To celebrate Ghandhi Jayanti in Udhampur, former Municipal Councillor and senior DPAP leader Priti Khajuria and Ashwani Khajuria along with locals organized a function at Domail Chowk Udhampur. Speaking on occasion, Priti said that Mahatma Gandhi fought for civil rights in India and believed in non-violence. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Shallu, Saksham Seth, Aryan, Ranjit, Nikhil, Partakhe Thakur, Ankush Rajput, Abhijit, Satinder, Rahul and Ritik.
The Nations Development Association, affiliated with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Sushil Singh Charak, Founder of Nations Development Association along with Ashu Kumar, students and NDA members paid tributes to Gandhi Ji.
On Gandhi Jayanti, the Department of Health under the banner of District Leprosy Society Doda conducted Kusht Mukti Abhiyan at CMO Office Doda. The programme was held under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer Doda, Dr. Om Kumar. Para Medical Supervisor, Surinder Singh administered a pledge to all the staff to maintain cleanliness. Medical Officer Leprosy Unit Doda Dr Javed Ahmed Parray, Mohd Shafi Attu, staff of CMO, Dy CMO and a large number of students from ANMT Doda were present on the occasion. Later on, Dr Javed Parray along with others flagged off Kusht Mukt Abhiyan Rath to aware masses about early sign and symptoms of leprosy.
On Gandhi Jayanti, Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir under the leadership of its president Sunil Dimple paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shashtri Ji.
To remember Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Nat Manch in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum hosted a Drawing Competition and Awareness Drive as part of Swachta Hi Sewa campaign in Jammu. Distinguished guests including Tarun Sharma, Actor/Director, President Nat Manch, Mahatma Tilak Ji, Rabindra Kumar, Project Leader, E&P (NR) BPCL, Jammu CUF, site engineers Prince Gupta, Shubham Agarwal and Princy Manwani, were also present.
To celebrate birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS) paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The function was inaugurated by Dr. Anju Dogra, Health Department, J&K. The guests of honor were Mukesh Singh and Romesh Chander, Advisor, Shashvat Art Gallery Jammu. Dr. M.L Dogra, Chairman BLSKS highlighted the relevance of Gandhian principles.
On Gandhi Jayanti tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi at Jammu North Assembly segment where the Congress party activists in the presence of Mula Ram, senior vice president JKPCC and Hari Singh Chib, vice president JKPCC highlighted the importance of teachings of Gandhi Ji in the present world.
National Incredible Literacy Mission (NILM) celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at its zonal office in Ganga Nagar, Bantalab. On this occasion Thakur K.D Singh, chairman NILM organized a seminar on Gandhian Philosophy. In the seminar Kavita Bali enlightened the students about simple living standards of Gandhi Ji. R.S Thakur, Project Director NILM said that students should always speak truth. Thakur K.D Kurhan, chairman NILM also spoke on the occasion.
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