Several noted Indian and global personalities, including Ratan Tata and Bill Gates, on Wednesday lauded India’s success in improving sanitation with the Swachh Bharat Mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Actors Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt also urged citizens to actively participate in the Swachh Bharat campaign as they marked the 10th anniversary of the cleanliness initiative.
They noted that the programme, which completed its 10th year on Wednesday, has significantly transformed India through improved sanitation and cleanliness.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Modi and commended the efforts of his government, highlighting the significant strides made by the country in achieving sustainable development goals through this “transformative” initiative, which mobilizes communities to promote a cleaner and healthier nation.
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates said India made huge strides in improving sanitation and hygiene under Modi’s leadership. Its approach has served a model in community-driven programmes, he said, highlighting its “amazing” impact especially on the poor and women by mobilising people.
The prime minister shared on social media posts by these personalities. World Bank president Ajay Banga said the programme has significantly transformed India through improved sanitation, achieving a remarkable milestone under Modi’s “visionary” leadership.
Asian Development Bank president Masatsugu Asakawa commended Modi for spearheading the Mission, lauding it as a transformational campaign. The Asian Development Bank is proud to have partnered with India on this visionary initiative from the very start, he said.
Tata Trusts chairman Ratan Tata said the cleanliness campaign has benefitted millions, especially in the rural India, and congratulated Modi on its success. Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the programme has brought people’s focus on cleanliness.
“Today, I’m talking to you not as an actor but as a mother, who wants the best for her children.
And Swachh Bharat mission is a mission where every family should participate,” said Kareena, adding that every Indian should honour Gandhi’s dream of a clean India.
Saif said, “For us, it is not just about keeping our surroundings clean, it is about showing our kids that a healthy environment is a foundation for a happy life.”
National Award-winning actor-director R Madhavan said the impact and results of Swachh Bharat have been outstanding. Actors Manushi Chhillar, Tisca Chopra and music composer Shankar Mahadevan also shared messages on the occasion.
