Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led a special cleanliness initiative, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, on September 25, 2025, at the Army Headquarters Unit Run Canteen. The drive was part of Swachhotsav 2025, under the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign across the Ministry of Defence from September 17, 2025 to October 02, 2025. The event highlighted the power of collective effort in creating a clean, green, and healthy environment. This year’s theme connects with the festive spirit of the nation while reinforcing the vision of a cleaner India.
 

During the event, Shri Rajnath Singh took the ‘Swachhata Sankalp’, reaffirming his commitment to cleanliness. He also honoured Safai Mitras for their dedication to sanitation and participated in a tree-planting drive to promote an eco-friendly, zero-waste environment. In a symbolic gesture, he flagged off a Safai Run with 100 NCC cadets, highlighting the role of youth in advancing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Addressing the gathering, Raksha Mantri said cleanliness is not just about tidiness but a “way of life” that reflects discipline and responsibility. He pointed out that clean surroundings improve health, mental well-being, and inner peace, while unclean spaces can spread disease and negativity. Drawing on India’s traditions, he noted that cleanliness has always been valued as a mark of a civilised society.

He highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making cleanliness a people’s movement, where everyone takes responsibility. The Ministry of Defence is contributing through collective drives, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and transforming camps and offices into model centres of cleanliness.

Raksha Mantri also expressed pride that all military camps are now open-defecation free, reflecting the discipline of the armed forces and dedication of the civilian workforce. He added that a healthy, clean, and conscious society is a pillar of national security and urged everyone to adopt cleanliness as a national duty, inspiring others to contribute to a clean, healthy, and developed India.

The drive saw participation from Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Secretary (ESW) Dr Niten Chandra, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Dr Mayank Sharma, along with senior MoD officials and jawans.

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VK/SR/NIRMIT/KB