### Embrace cleanliness as a value in life” – Prof. Karunesh Saxena, Vice-Chancellor

**Bhilwara, Rajasthan** – Sangam University inaugurated the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, a major initiative under the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission. This year's theme, *"Swabhav Swachhta, Sanskar Swachhta"*, aims to instill cleanliness as both a personal habit and a cultural value. The campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, marking a two-week-long drive to encourage hygiene, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. It is being spearheaded by the university's National Service Scheme (NSS), under the NSS Regional Directorate in Jaipur.

The event was graced by the university's top leadership, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karunesh Saxena, who set the tone for the campaign by emphasizing the need for cleanliness not just as an activity, but as a fundamental value in daily life. Prof. Saxena pointed out that while cleanliness campaigns have been widely promoted, real change comes when individuals begin to see cleanliness as part of their personal and professional ethos. "Cleanliness should start at our workplaces," he urged, calling for active participation from students and staff alike.

Prof. Manas Ranjan Panigrahi, who also addressed the gathering, emphasized the practical steps that could be taken to maintain cleanliness in the university and beyond. He highlighted the importance of avoiding littering in public spaces and advised the strategic placement of dustbins to promote responsible waste disposal. According to him, the visibility of waste management tools like dustbins can significantly curb the tendency to litter, thus reinforcing the mission's objectives.

**Cleanliness as a Public Movement**

Registrar Prof. Rajeev Mehta brought attention to the larger implications of cleanliness on public health. He stated that maintaining a clean environment is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one, critical to fostering a healthier society. "Cleanliness must be treated as a public movement," Prof. Mehta stressed, encouraging the entire university community to actively engage in the campaign and serve as role models for the larger society.

Adding to this, Program Coordinator Dr. Rajkumar Jain administered an oath to all attendees, binding them to the mission's objectives. As part of this pledge, participants vowed to stay vigilant about cleanliness in their surroundings and to contribute at least two hours of voluntary labor every week. This, he said, would instill discipline and collective responsibility, ensuring that the campaign is not just a one-time effort but a sustained movement.

**NSS Volunteers Lead the Charge**

NSS Program Officer Dr. Shweta Bohra provided further insights into the practical actions planned for the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign. She informed the gathering that NSS volunteers would form teams to carry out cleanliness drives across the university and nearby areas. These teams will focus on the collection and disposal of single-use plastics, one of the biggest environmental challenges today. The volunteers will also engage in awareness campaigns, educating fellow students and the community on the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and promoting alternatives to single-use plastic products.

Dr. Bohra underscored that this is not just a symbolic campaign but one with tangible outcomes, as the collected plastic waste will be properly disposed of in accordance with environmental guidelines. The volunteers will play a pivotal role in not only cleaning but also in spreading the message of sustainability to a wider audience.

The event also saw the participation of key faculty members, including NSS PO Shyam Singh Lakhawat, along with a large number of NSS volunteers and university staff, reflecting the collective commitment to the Swachh Bharat Mission. The two-week-long campaign is expected to create a lasting impact, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment both on the university campus and in the surrounding community.

**A Comprehensive Approach to Cleanliness**

The launch of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign at Sangam University marks a comprehensive approach to cleanliness, focusing not only on immediate action but also on long-term cultural change. The involvement of the university’s leadership, students, and staff highlights the seriousness with which the institution is approaching this national movement. By integrating cleanliness into the values of everyday life, Sangam University is positioning itself as a model institution in the Swachh Bharat Mission, contributing to a cleaner, greener India.

The campaign will continue until October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, a day that holds significant importance in the Swachh Bharat Mission. Through a combination of action, awareness, and education, Sangam University aims to inspire lasting change in the community, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a clean and self-reliant India.