Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday joined students, teachers, NCC cadets and officials in a cleanliness drive at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School in Itanagar, marking the state roll-out of Swachhta Hi Seva 2026, a month-long campaign to promote cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility across Arunachal Pradesh.

The campaign is being observed under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, commemorating the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khandu appealed to citizens to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday in a special way by lighting a lamp in their homes or places of worship and praying for his good health and long life, as well as for the continued success of his efforts in the service of the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Khandu said cleanliness must not remain confined to school campuses but should become an integral part of everyday life. He urged students to carry the habit of cleanliness from their schools to their homes, villages, workplaces and offices.

Recalling the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, the Chief Minister said the cleanliness campaign has evolved into a people’s movement across the country. In Arunachal Pradesh too, he said, the initiative has grown into a mass movement involving districts and villages across the state.

Khandu highlighted the transformation brought about by the cleanliness movement, particularly in sanitation and hygiene. He recalled that the Prime Minister had made sanitation and the elimination of open defecation a key part of his first Independence Day address in 2014.

He said toilets have since been constructed across villages and households in Arunachal Pradesh through Central and State government initiatives, contributing significantly to improved sanitation and hygiene.

The month-long state-wide campaign will feature a series of activities, including around 12 programmes across the state. These will include cleanliness-related competitions for school students, including art and speech competitions at the district level. District champions will progress to the state level.

Khandu also announced that Seva Aapke Dwar camps would be organised across all districts during the month to connect villagers with government services and facilities available through the State and Central governments.

The Chief Minister appreciated the Waste to Art Park developed at Mallo Tarin GHSS in partnership with KPMG and the students. He said the initiative demonstrated how waste materials could be creatively transformed into attractive and useful installations through innovative ideas and proper presentation.

“These are small things but a very good habit. When the mind is clean, wisdom also works in the right direction,” he said, linking cleanliness and orderliness with discipline and responsible living.

Khandu also stressed the importance of discipline and respect for teachers, parents, elders and support staff. He said habits developed during school years would shape the character and conduct of young people in their future lives.

He encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms constructively, noting that they offer significant opportunities for learning and acquiring knowledge when used in the right direction.

Khandu also highlighted the importance of sports for both physical and mental well-being. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s achievements in sports, he said the state has won more than 1,000 medals at national and international levels over the last decade.

He further noted that Arunachali athletes in Wushu and Taekwondo have been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking the first time athletes from the state will represent Arunachal Pradesh at the Asian Games.

The state has also initiated the framework for Mission Olympics through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The Chief Minister said the government has been creating platforms for young people in academics, sports, entertainment and other fields, citing initiatives such as Arunachal Got Talent, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal, Arunachal Idol, Battle of Minds and Spelling Bees.

Khandu urged students to take the Swachhta pledge seriously. He pointed out that the pledge calls for dedicating 100 hours a year to cleanliness, equivalent to about two hours a week, and encouraging 100 other people to take the pledge.

“Please take the pledge very seriously. Talk about cleanliness with your friends and family so that it becomes part of our lives,” he said.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Urban Local Bodies Department, Education Department, officials, Mallo Tarin GHSS, KPMG, NCC personnel and students in making the state-level roll-out of the campaign possible.