Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Mrs. Savitri Thakur emphasized that cleanliness must evolve into a continuous people's movement to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. She participated in a cleanliness programme organized in the Purana Bazar area of Sakri in Bilaspur, where she stated that cleanliness is not merely a government programme but a foundation for nation-building requiring active participation of every citizen. Thakur credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for creating unprecedented public awareness and bringing about positive transformation in people's attitudes and behavior towards cleanliness across villages, towns, and cities.
The event featured the presence of Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Tokhan Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) Mr. Bhupendra Savanni, Member of Legislative Assembly Mr. Dharamlal Kaushik, and former Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission Mrs. Harshita Pandey, along with other public representatives and distinguished citizens. Thakur noted that significant improvements in cleanliness conditions around public places, railway stations, bus stands, and civic facilities have been achieved through sustained efforts and active public participation, not just government initiatives.
Thakur stressed that the real objective is to instill a lasting sense of cleanliness among people, making it integral to daily life rather than confined to specific days or campaigns. She emphasized that developed nations are built not only through economic progress but also through social responsibility, discipline, cleanliness, and fulfilment of civic duties. Public representatives at the event described cleanliness as a social responsibility and highlighted the interconnection between cleanliness, public health, and environmental conservation.
The programme saw participation from a large number of local residents, social workers, members of women's groups, youth, and public representatives, all of whom pledged to make cleanliness part of their daily lives and maintain clean surroundings. The event served to enhance public awareness about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in temples, schools, statues of great personalities, public places, streets, neighborhoods, and community spaces to set positive examples for future generations.