New Delhi, Sept 25 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that healthy, clean and conscious society is a pillar of national security and urged everyone to adopt cleanliness as a national duty, inspiring others to contribute to a clean, healthy and developed India.
The Minister highlighted the importance of cleanliness describing it as more than just tidiness but a “way of life” that embodies discipline and responsibility, a Defence Ministry statement said.
As a part of Swachhotsav 2025, under the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, the Defence Minister led a cleanliness initiative ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ at the Army Headquarters Unit Run Canteen here.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath pointed out that clean surroundings improve health, mental well-being and inner peace, while unclean spaces can spread disease and negativity.
Drawing on India’s traditions, he noted that cleanliness has always been valued as a mark of a civilised society.
He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making cleanliness a people’s movement, where everyone takes responsibility.
The Ministry of Defence is contributing through collective drives, waste-to-wealth initiatives and transforming camps and offices into model centres of cleanliness. The Minister also expressed pride that all military camps are now open-defecation free, reflecting the discipline of the armed forces and dedication of the civilian workforce.
The event highlighted the power of collective effort in creating a clean, green and healthy environment. This year’s theme connects with the festive spirit of the nation while reinforcing the vision of a cleaner India.
During the event, Rajnath Singh took the ‘Swachhata Sankalp’, reaffirming his commitment to cleanliness. He also honoured Safai Mitras for their dedication to sanitation and participated in a tree-planting drive to promote an eco-friendly, zero-waste environment.
He also flagged off a Safai Run with 100 NCC cadets, highlighting the role of youth in advancing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
The drive saw participation from Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Secretary (ESW) Niten Chandra, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Mayank Sharma and other officials.
