What comes to your mind when I say the word Clean? Or, let me put it this way
a Clean India, Swach Bharat?
Think. Think for a while, as I jot down my points.
- Covered Garbage Disposal Facilities in every Locality & Using them of-course!
- Accountability because we seriously lag in this department.
- Extending the concept of cleanliness beyond our homes.
- Exploring the meaning of the word clean. Going beyond the literal.
- Doing away with all that is 'dirty' in us, and I don't just mean garbage.
I grew up in Shillong and that was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me. Of the many, many things that made Shillong special was the fact that it was a clean town. Let me put it this way, out there garbage was disposed in the right place instead of the neighbor's compound. Accountability, we had that. Though it's been a long time since the last time I was there but I'd like to believe that it is still the same.
Of-course, the moment I ventured out of Shillong I realized that cleanliness as a concept is alien to this country or should I say the concept is twisted for individual benefits.
Today I live in an apartment where there are times when people living in the top floors think it's appropriate to dispose things off through the windows rather than going down to the garbage disposal section. It's sad because educated folks think it's alright to clutter the whole world as long as their own homes are clean.
So, you see how important it is, this campaign for a cleaner India. I quite like it you know and it's about time we do something about it. After all cleanliness is next to Godliness, isn't it?
When I see foreigners standing next to our garbage dumps and clicking photographs as if that's all India is about, I feel angry and embarrassed at the same time. When we can be known for the right reasons why give anyone a chance to talk about our cluttered streets and localities?
Of course there's more to this concept of cleanliness. Clean, if we look at this word and delve more into it, much more figuratively, then there are so many things that we can do to truly make India Clean or Swach. I don't need to remind you of the things that are wrong with us, as a country. Maybe Clean India could be the clarion call for changing all that is obnoxious and wrong in us.
A few days back a woman was killed in the name of honor killing, well I think we can do something about that through this campaign too. Clean our dirty and orthodox mindsets for a change?
The next time someone talks about Swach India can we all promise that we will sweep away not only the dirt that is in our homes and in the streets but that clouds our minds too? A Clean India with a thought process that doesn't remain shackled to outdated, ridiculous traditions is the need of the hour, At the same time, we need to understand that throwing garbage bags into the neighbor's house is not acceptable. It's something that needs to be incorporated in every aspect of our lives.
As impossible as it sounds I think we can do it, I really think so.
Well, that was my understanding of Clean for India, for my India, for your India.
Now won't you tell me what you came up with?
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#AbMontuBolega. This is a campaign which talks about the Power of Voice to Clean India. Places that need cleaning, people who deserve your attention & authorities who need to hear your opinions, it encompasses all! So don’t be a silent spectator. Raise your voice and make a difference.
Let us all work towards a Swach Bharat using the power of our voice. I know we can.
Kyuki Bin Bole Ab Nahi Chalega #AbMontuBolega.