Shri Modi said that he dedicates this award to those Indians who transformed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement and made it a part of their daily lives. Terming it as a significant moment personally to receive the award on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is proof that when 130 crore Indians take a pledge, any challenge can be overcome . He added that India is making remarkable progress in fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Swachh Bharat. He also quoted that “The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission is due to the people of India. They made this their own movement and ensured the desired results were attained”.
He also quoted “In the last five years, a record of more than 11 crore toilets were constructed. This mission has benefitted the poor and women of the country the most”. He added that apart from safety and sanitation these toilets have also boosted economic activities in villages.
A collective effort towards increasing sanitation coverage can be made with expertise and experiences of other nation noted by Shri Modi while talking about global sanitation coverage. Movements like Fit India Movement and Jal Jeevan Mission in India’s efforts towards preventive healthcare too.
