The year-long centenary celebrations honouring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will culminate in a significant statewide sanitation drive across Uttar Pradesh. The event is scheduled for December 25, aiming to translate the late leader's ideals into concrete public action.
A Fitting Tribute to a Statesman's Legacy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting on Vajpayee's contributions, described him as far more than a great political leader. He emphasized that Vajpayee stood as a lasting symbol of good governance, nation-building, and profound social consciousness. The government believes that organising a widespread cleanliness campaign represents the most authentic way to pay homage to these core values. It transforms remembrance into a collective, constructive effort for community betterment.
Mobilising Urban and Rural Uttar Pradesh
The execution of this ambitious drive will follow a structured administrative approach. In the state's urban centres, urban local bodies will take the lead in coordinating activities. For the vast rural landscape, the responsibility will lie with the Panchayati Raj department. This dual-channel system ensures the campaign's reach extends to every corner of the state.
A government spokesperson outlined the broad scope of the planned activities. The focus will be on enhancing cleanliness at public places, major roads, market areas, government buildings, educational institutions, and Gram Panchayat premises. The plan is not just a top-down government exercise but a participatory movement.
Inspiring Collective Participation and Youth
The success of the programme hinges on wide-ranging involvement. Authorities have stated their commitment to ensuring the active participation of public representatives, officers, employees, voluntary organisations, youth, and common citizens. This inclusive strategy aims to foster a shared sense of ownership and responsibility towards public cleanliness.
Beyond the immediate goal of a cleaner environment, the drive has a deeper, inspirational objective. It seeks to strengthen the collective commitment to sanitation as a civic duty. Furthermore, by linking the action to Vajpayee's life, the campaign aims to acquaint the younger generation with his enduring values—patriotism, democratic ethics, and a selfless spirit of service. The theme for the day, 'Clean, Strong and Self-Reliant India', perfectly encapsulates this dual mission of immediate action and long-term value education.
Thus, the December 25 event is poised to be both a practical sanitation initiative and a powerful civic lesson, marking a fitting end to the commemorative year for one of India's most revered leaders.