Public participation and voluntarism has been the hallmark of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the reason for its success, prime minister Narendra Modi has said. Thanking the entire country for the wholehearted support to the mission, he stressed the importance of public participation and said that collective efforts are essential for the success of important government initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission and eliminating single use plastic by 2022.

In Ahmedabad on the occasion of the Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday, the PM said his government was committed towards realizing the dreams of the Mahatma. In this context, he mentioned about the initiatives of the government to ensure self-reliance, provide Ease of Living, and taking development to the last mile. He urged the public to take a resolution for the betterment of the nation and strive hard to make it successful. He added that such 130 crore resolutions can bring about a massive transformation.

He also inaugurated the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019, released a postage stamp and a silver coin to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and distributed the Swachh Bharat Puraskar to those who did outstanding work in cleanliness. Earlier in the day, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram, where he visited the Magan Niwas (Charkha Gallery) and interacted with the children.

Addressing a gathering of sarpanches on Swachh Bharat Diwas, Modi said the entire world was commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the event had been made more memorable after UN released a postal stamp on Gandhiji a few days back. He said he had the opportunity to visit the Sabarmati Ashram many times and this time too like every other time got new energy there as well.

Modi said that today, the villages have declared themselves free from open defecation and he congratulated every countryman, especially those living in villages, sarpanches and all those who have worked for swachchhata. He added that irrespective of age, social and economic status, everyone has contributed in this pledge of cleanliness, dignity and respect. He said that the world is amazed by this success of ours and they are rewarding us. Entire world is amazed that India has provided toilet facilities to more than 60 crore population in 60 months by constructing more than 11 crore toilets, he added.