Mahatma Gandhi once stated that "Sanitation is more important than independence". He understood very well that hygiene and cleanliness are integral parts of a healthy and peaceful life. It is for this reason that Mahatma Gandhi (Bapuji) encouraged his fellow citizens to always live a clean and hygienic life. However, after the sad demise of Bapuji, this objective was lost and Indians continued to lead an unhygienic and dirty lifestyle. Mahatma Gandhi's cleanliness drive was once again taken up by our honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on 2 October 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi, under the name of "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Also called Swachh Bharat campaign or Clean India initiative or Clean India mission, this Swachh Abhiyan was inaugurated on the 145th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Clean India drive is a nationwide campaign which aims to make India a clean and green country by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. The objective of this abhiyan is to: Eliminate open defecation system ; eliminate manual scavenging; convert unhealthy waste toilets into clean toilets; strengthen the sanitation system in rural and urban areas; complete the disposal and reuse of liquid and solid waste; motivate and spread awareness about cleanliness among citizens create a friendly environment for all private companies interested in investing in India for maintaining cleanliness. The cost of the entire campaign is estimated to be quite high. The great thing about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is that while launching this cleanliness drive, the Prime Minister himself had cleared the way to set an example for the people of India. He appointed nine renowned personalities of India to launch the campaign in their respective areas and on convenient dates. These nominated individuals included eminent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar (cricket), Baba Ramdev (yoga) and the team of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (a popular Indian TV series). The chain of these nine people is similar to a branch of the tree. The Prime Minister also appointed other politicians, sportspersons and artistes to promote and support the Swachh Bharat campaign in various fields. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is believed to be the largest ever cleanliness drive in India. The Prime Minister invited all people to participate in this event by uploading cleanliness pictures or videos on various social media platforms via the Internet. This would motivate others to work together to make India a clean country. Around 3 million government employees along with teachers and students of different schools and colleges across the country have voluntarily joined this 'Clean India Campaign'. Need for Swachh Abhiyan It is estimated that completion of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan would indirectly attract many companies to clean India. This will in turn improve GDP growth and generate a variety of sources of employment. The Swachh Abhiyan can play an important role in reducing the mortality rate, healthcare costs and rate of fatal diseases. Clean India would attract more tourists and improve its economic condition. It is for this reason that the Prime Minister urged every Indian to dedicate their 100 hours every year towards cleaning India. This is enough to make this country a clean country by 2019. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Different awareness programs, such as Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, Total Sanitation Campaign, etc. . I am.!