Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday appealed to the people from all sections of society in his constituency to participate in a massive cleanliness drive, ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, to be organised in Sambalpur district on October 10 under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
In a video message shared on his X handle, Pradhan said, “I appeal to every citizen of Sambalpur, my young friends, mothers and sisters, people’s representatives and members of various organisations to participate in this drive and contribute to cleaning their villages, hamlets, wards, localities and public places. Come, let us turn the cleanliness drive (Swachhta Abhiyan) into a mass movement and make Sambalpur a clean, beautiful and healthy district.”
Highlighting the importance attached to cleanliness and purity in Odia traditions and culture, he said, “Cleanliness is not confined merely to the four walls of our homes. Cleanliness is our way of life, our values and our character.”
The former Union minister further added that in the religious text ‘Lakshmi Purana’, it is clearly said that where there is cleanliness, Goddess Lakshmi resides there.
Pradhan emphasised that no puja or religious ritual in an Odia household can be complete without cleanliness and purity.
“This is not merely an ordinary task; it is a spiritual and social value handed down to us by our ancestors,” he added.
The Sambalpur MP noted that Mahatma Gandhi regarded cleanliness not merely as a personal habit, but as the foundation of a healthy society and a better life.
Gandhiji himself participated in cleanliness drives and taught the entire nation the importance of cleanliness through his example. Pradhan also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised one message: “Swachhata Hi Seva” – cleanliness is service.
“When we keep our surroundings clean, we are serving society, the nation and our future generations. To carry forward this principle, this noble thought and the values of our culture, a massive cleanliness drive is being organised in Sambalpur district on the morning of October 10 under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,” noted Pradhan.
Referring to the great personalities from Sambalpur and the spiritual significance of the region, the former Union minister stated that Sambalpur is the heartland of Odia literature, culture, art and values.
“It is our paramount duty to keep this sacred land clean, beautiful, free from waste and healthy,” noted Pradhan.
IANS
