Porbandar: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded a nationwide Coastal and Beach Cleanliness Drive today from Porbandar, Gujarat, marking Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. This large-scale event, organized by MY Bharat, also marked the culmination of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, which has been running since September 17 under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.”
Launching the drive from Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Mandaviya was joined by over 1,00,000 youth volunteers from MY Bharat who participated in cleanup efforts across 1,000 locations along India’s coastline. The volunteers focused on removing single-use plastic and other waste materials, helping to restore cleanliness to India’s beaches.
In his address to the volunteers in Porbandar, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 10 years ago. “As we celebrate 10 years of the Swachh Bharat Mission, this nationwide effort is a fitting tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a clean India. Our youth, through their remarkable participation today, have taken Mahatma Gandhiji’s ideals forward by committing to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Eliminating single-use plastic is just one step in this journey, and the dedication displayed today will propel India toward a cleaner, greener future,” he said.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy
Following his participation in the cleanliness drive, Dr. Mandaviya paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, where he offered floral tributes in honor of Gandhi’s contributions to India’s independence and his philosophy of non-violence. The Minister also underscored the importance of self-reliance by purchasing Khadi garments from the Porbandar Khadi Bhandar. He highlighted Khadi’s significance as a symbol of the Swadeshi movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, and its role in India’s journey toward self-sufficiency.
Impact of the Coastal Cleanliness Drive
The nationwide drive saw volunteers remove significant amounts of waste, particularly single-use plastics, from India’s beaches and coastal areas. The event showcased the collective power of India’s youth in promoting environmental stewardship and reducing the country’s plastic footprint.
Since the beginning of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign on September 17, 2024, more than 60 lakh MY Bharat youth volunteers have engaged in cleanliness drives across the country. Their efforts have led to the removal of millions of kilograms of waste from over 1.19 lakh villages, 17,000 community centers, and 9,900 Amrit Sarovars, making a tangible impact on both rural and urban environments.