Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Sambalpur Residents to Join October 10 Cleanliness Drive

In a video message posted on X, Pradhan called upon residents, including young people, women, elected representatives and members of social organisations, to join the campaign and help clean villages, hamlets, wards, neighbourhoods and public spaces.

Pradhan said the cleanliness initiative should become a people's movement aimed at making Sambalpur cleaner, healthier and more attractive.

Highlighting the importance of cleanliness in Odisha's cultural and religious traditions, the former Union Minister said it should be viewed as more than a household responsibility, describing it as a reflection of values and social conduct.

He referred to the Odia religious text *Lakshmi Purana*, saying that the tradition associates cleanliness with the presence of Goddess Lakshmi. Pradhan also said cleanliness and purity form an important part of religious rituals and celebrations in Odia households.

According to Pradhan, the emphasis on cleanliness represents both a social responsibility and a value passed down through generations.

He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy of cleanliness, saying Gandhi viewed sanitation as an important foundation for a healthy society and better living conditions. Pradhan noted that Gandhi personally participated in cleanliness campaigns and sought to demonstrate their importance through his actions.

Pradhan further referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated emphasis on the "Swachhata Hi Seva" message, arguing that maintaining clean surroundings amounts to serving society, the country and future generations.

The Sambalpur MP said the October 10 campaign would seek to carry forward these principles through community participation across the district.

Referring to Sambalpur's contribution to Odia literature, culture, art and social traditions, Pradhan said the region's residents had a responsibility to maintain its surroundings and public spaces.

He urged people to come together for the cleanliness campaign and help make Sambalpur cleaner, healthier and free from waste.