Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received the ‘Global Goalkeeper’ Award presented by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
The award ceremony took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.
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PM Modi dedicated the award to those Indians who transformed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement, making it a part of their daily lives.
“The success of the mission is due to the people of India. They made this their own movement,” the PM said.
“The people ensured the desired results were attained,” he further added after receiving the award.
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“It is a significant moment for me personally to receive the award on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,” Modi said.
“Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is proof that when 130 crore Indians take a pledge, any challenge can be overcome,” he added.
“India is making remarkable progress in fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Swachh Bharat,” the Prime Minister further said.
The PM further informed that in the last five years over 11 crore toilets were constructed in India.
Them PM also said the mission had benefitted the poor and women of the country the most.
“In addition to improving sanitation and health, the building of 11 crore toilets has also boosted economic activity in villages,” PM added.
Speaking about improving global sanitation coverage, Prime Minister said that India is ready to share its expertise and experiences with other nations so that there can be a collective effort towards increasing sanitation coverage.
He also mentioned about India’s efforts towards preventive healthcare through mission mode movements like Fit India Movement and Jal Jeevan Mission.