*Collective pledge for cleanliness in Chandigarh on Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti*
*Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Sh Gulab Chand Kataria, led the “Swachhata Hi Seva” 2025 campaign at Apni Mandi, Sector 15, Chandigarh*
*”Cleanliness is life; even God resides in cleanliness” – Governor Gulab Chand Kataria*
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, participated as the chief guest in the “Swachhata Hi Seva” 2025 campaign at Apni Mandi, Sector 15, today. He personally participated in the “Swachhata Hi Seva” 2025 campaign by sweeping and encouraged citizens to make cleanliness not just a campaign but a part of their lifestyle.
On this occasion, the Governor said, “Cleanliness is life, and where there is cleanliness, God resides. Just as we clean our homes and markets on Diwali, we should keep our surroundings clean every day. Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, whether rich or poor, businessman or laborer.”
This event was held on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary. The Governor said that like Upadhyay’s principle of “Antyodaya,” cleanliness is a means of connecting and empowering every section of society. He appealed to everyone to follow the ideals of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and Mahatma Gandhi and contribute to building a clean India.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, Mr. Kataria said that when he himself picked up a broom, the entire country understood the importance of cleanliness. He explained that today railway stations and platforms are cleaner than ever before, and the construction of 120 million toilets has provided convenience and dignity to millions of families. However, he also said, “The Prime Minister alone cannot clean the country; every citizen must start with themselves.” We must do this. A person with a clean mind finds joy in his life.”
The Governor also highlighted Chandigarh’s achievements. He stated that Chandigarh has made a significant leap from 11th to 2nd place in the cleanliness rankings. Furthermore, the city has made significant improvements in pollution control, moving from 27th to 8th. Describing this as a result of the joint efforts of citizens and the administration, he appealed to everyone to further enhance this achievement.
A large number of citizens, students, shopkeepers, street vendors and voluntary organizations participated in the voluntary work. Their enthusiasm and participation in cleaning the Mandi area was palpable.
The event was attended by Mayor Chandigarh Smt.Harpreet Kaur Babla, Chief Secretary Sh. Rajiv Verma, Home Secretary Mr. Mandip Singh Brar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Sh.Amit Kumar, Area councilor Sh. Saurabh Joshi, office bearers of local RWAs and MWAs and other senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation.
