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.
- Litter Free Roads.
- 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?
***
#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.
As you say, it goes beyond the literal. Of course, it is possible if we all contribute. On the govts part, they need to invest more on garbage disposal, fill in vacancies in municipal corporation and bring in accountability. It also means a no tolerance policy towards those who stick banners on trees, spit in public places and pollute the environment.
Our apartment does a cleanliness drive every weekend. They started with our road leading up to the main gate. Last week they cleaned a road near a village nearby. Hopefully, our little efforts will bear fruit.
I've always been appalled at how people in some parts of India can liberally litter everywhere. You wouldn't see them litter in their own house like that, would you? The thing is, they take this mentality to other countries too — recently, after 5 years of living in my apartment here, we got Indian neighbours upstairs and they are appalling…they throw their cigarette butts outside the balcony and litter the veranda downstairs. We've had neighbours leave notes for them to not litter. It's disgusting.
I so agree with you on this topic Nabanita. This problem is an issue in many other parts of the world – people are people after all and they do travel! – even Canada where I see people littering. Sometimes I call them on it!…along the lines of "the sidewalk isn't a garbage can" or "What if everyone did that?" or the like. I sometimes see people dump out their cigarette ash tray full of butts onto the road: that's so maddening to me! I almost always pick up the plastic that holds a bunch of cans and cut and recycle that as that can choke wildlife, birds and fish in particular. I think it's high time people everywhere pick up and clean up after themselves, as simple as wiping the water from the sink area in a public washroom with the paper towel used to dry your hands: I do that all the time. It takes little effort and time and is worth it, especially if you want to put a purse or another item on the sink counter. To me it's just good etiquette and respectful. Ok, enough of my rant! 😉 <3
Very true, Naba. We need to clean our minds and mindsets.
Oh yes. I'm guessing that this is what is meant by cleanliness is a sign of Godliness, Naba. When we start taking responsibility for our surroundings and what goes on inside our hearts is when we'll truly start to be a clean people!
You summed it up so well Alka…
I'm sure it will Shailaja…best part is the kids will see us doing this and there will be a sea change in the future generations
God! We are incorrigible aren't we? This is sad and humiliating…Why can't we just follow some basic rules!
I know Ell…How hard is it to just be respectful and follow some basic rules? Why can't we use the garbage cans instead of the street! I'm appalled at how insensitive people can be and how much they lack accountability!
🙂
Indeed Rachna!
Absolutely Corinne…Taking responsibility is the cue I think..