With the majority of the world’s most polluted cities being in India, we are nowhere close to the ‘Swachh Bharat’ we aimed for. However, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy took a small but significant step towards cleaning up the mess on October 1.
To mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ Movement from September 15th to October 2nd. The movement was initiated in a bid to create awareness and mass participation in the cleanliness mission.
And as a part of the active drive, Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy took matters into his own hands. In a video that was posted by the Minister’s official Twitter account, Narayanaswamy can be seen extracting muck from a dirty drain with a spade. He did the groundwork wearing a traditional white dhoti which was hitched up.
#SwachhataHiSeva #SwachhBharat #SwachhBharatMission cleaning at #Nellithope #Puducherry pic.twitter.com/FkeKvfClZK
— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) October 1, 2018
The 71-year-old was surrounded by hundreds of locals as he went down into the drain. Some of them even offered the man a helping hand.
The video went viral in no time as the Twitterati poured in praises for the Congress politician.
PM Modi hailed the man for his efforts.
Narayanasamy Ji, kudos to you for leading from the front and inspiring others to strengthen the movement to clean India. https://t.co/z4Tdhu31eU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2018
Massive respect.
Well done! This called lead from front and not for camera. Respect 🙏🇮🇳 https://t.co/TPQFPNdqDp
— Tarique (@tarique_20) October 2, 2018
This surely deserves a standing ovation.
https://t.co/HBVRMUNis0 These efforts need to be applauded. A mirror to photo op politicians. @PMOIndia @BJP4India @INCIndia
— Rajiv (@rajivsthakur) October 2, 2018
Leading by example.
Sir,you are great man,salute to you
— Sathish Attur (@tsathishattur) October 1, 2018
Winning hearts.
Down to Earth Leader 👏👏
— Ravidev | ரவிதேவ் (@Ravidevt) October 1, 2018
The wishes kept pouring in.
Superb sir.. our CM
— Natraj.. (@natrajbai) October 1, 2018
We hope this works as a motivation for others.
https://twitter.com/agrawalgautam15/status/1047098751066755073
Much appreciated.
It's unbelievable sir, may be after modi sir you are the one who is leading program from front. Koti namaskara sir. You are really worth politician to lead your state.
— Shadakshari (@vlsdevaru) October 3, 2018
We sincerely hope your efforts motivate people to perform their duties as responsible citizens of the country and keep India clean.