Nagaland celebrates Gandhi Jayanti with cleanliness drives

DIMAPUR — Joining the rest of the country, different organisations and educational institutes across the state on Wednesday celebrated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi through various programmes and cleanliness drives.

NPCC: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), along with frontal organisations, departments, and cells, celebrated the day at Congress Bhavan in Kohima.

Speaking on the occasion, Vapramu Demo, former Indian National Congress candidate for the 18th AC Chuzuba and PCC member, stated that Gandhi’s values of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and cleanliness (swachhata) resonate deeply in this world, urging everyone to take responsibility for the society they wish to create.

Herole Y, working president of the Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress, highlighted the importance of humility by referencing the life of Mahatma Gandhi. He added that Gandhi’s first priority was his countrymen and concluded by stating that service to people should be their primary focus, with self-interest as a secondary concern.

Esther Therie, NSUI Secretary, highlighted Gandhi’s life, emphasising that reflecting on his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of ordinary individuals to drive extraordinary change. His historic efforts, such as the Dandi March and the Quit India Movement, showcased his courage and determination in the face of adversity.

The programme was organised by the Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress.

Assam Rifles: To mark Gandhi Jayanti, a cleanliness drive was organised at Puliebadze, Kohima, by Assam Rifles under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign.

The event brought together various communities, organisations, and security personnel, working collectively to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability, according to an update.

It was reported that the people of Jotsoma, along with the Jotsoma Youth Organisation and Jotsoma Nature & Conservation Eco-tourism, played an instrumental role in the success of the drive.

The event also saw participation from students of Sazolie College, Science College, the School of Science and Technology, Nagaland University, and the Forest Department. Additionally, the Kohima Municipal Council contributed by providing two dustbins for installation at Puliebadze.

The force also organised similar initiatives, including an awareness programme on ‘No to plastic’ and a community cleanup drive in Thilixu and Doyapur villages, respectively.

The objective was to educate the community about the environmental impacts and health risks associated with plastic use and to promote sustainable alternatives.

The community cleanup drive in Doyapur village saw participation from around 50 villagers and 30 Assam Rifles personnel.

Furthermore, Assam Rifles marked the day in Kiphire, Mon, Tuensang, Noklak, Mokokchung, and Phek districts as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence, peace, and truth, focussing on his contributions to India’s freedom struggle.

MGM College: In celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, MGM College in Dimapur conducted a cleanliness drive led by the NSS, eco club, and health and sanitation committee honouring Mahatma Gandhi’s values of cleanliness and sustainable living while promoting a cleaner and greener environment in and around the college.

According to an update, the drive involved 70 volunteers who cleaned the college campus as well as Nikos Hospital and the Midland areas, collecting an estimated 130 kilogrammes of garbage.

In addition to the cleanliness efforts, students planted flowers to beautify the campus and installed dustbins in strategic locations to ensure long-term waste management.

PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur, observed the “Swachh Bharat Mission” on October 2 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

An update stated that on the occasion, Monoj Bhattacharjee, principal of the school, talked about the significance of the day. Under the supervision of the principal and vice principal, PS Deb, the students and staff carried out the cleanliness drive in and around the school premises.

Further, senior teacher Ashok Kr. Ray highlighted the various activities of Mahatma Gandhi.

SJS Kiusam Town: St. John’s School (SJS), Kiusam town, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti by conducting cleanliness drives on the theme “Be clean. Be healthy.”

During the drive, students and teachers collected waste and burnt it, stated a press release.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, speaking on the occasion, lauded the students and teachers for their participation and for educating people about cleanliness. He stated that the cleanliness of the body, mind, and soul leads to godliness. He emphasised that cleanliness ultimately fosters mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being.

RARC: The Regional Ayurveda Research Centre (RARC) in Dimapur organised a cleanliness drive at the District Hospital Colony on the morning of October 2, with participation from RARC staff, volunteers, and residents of the colony.

Dr. Deepak Rahangdale, research officer, speaking on the occasion, stated that Mahatma Gandhi believed cleanliness is essential for health and well-being.

It mentioned that participants engaged in picking up litter, segregating waste, and educating residents about cleanliness.

In addition to the physical clean-up, the event featured discussions on the role of Ayurveda in promoting health and wellness, emphasising the importance of a clean environment in achieving holistic well-being.

CoVS&AH: The College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (CoVS&AH), Jalukie, observed the day with campus cleaning, tree plantation, and an awareness session on non-violence for the students and faculty members present.