Page 50 - Mann Ki Baat - English May 2022
P. 50
teertha sewa
Cleanliness and Spirituality
Friends, just as a pilgrimage is The concept of cleanliness or
important here, equally important Swachhata is an inseparable part
is ‘teertha sewa’. I would also of Indian tradition and culture.
It is evident from the drainage
say that without ‘teertha sewa’,
system of Indus Valley civilization
a pilgrimage is also incomplete.
that cleanliness and sanitation
Wherever we go, let us maintain
are fundamental principles of
the dignity of these pilgrimage
town planning in India since
sites. Purity, cleanliness and a
ancient times. As civilization
pious environment… we should
progressed, swachhata has
never forget these and for that, it
taken centre stage in almost
is imperative that we abide by the
every tradition, sacred texts and
resolution of cleanliness.
cultural practices, for instance in
the Bhagavad Geeta, ‘shaucham’
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi or cleanliness is considered as an
(in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address) important dharma. It is evident
that sanitation and cleanliness
formed the foundation of all
the faiths that exist in India and
our holy scriptures have been
instrumental in motivating people
to embrace clean thoughts and
clean living.
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
All of us are aware of this famous
saying by Mahatma Gandhi. It
“I humbly thank Prime
means that being clean is a sign
Minister Narendra Modi
of spiritual purity or goodness.
for appreciating me in his
Spirituality has a profound
‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech. As connection with cleanliness.
he mentioned, to keep For one to immerse fully in the
Uttarakhand clean and pure spiritual process, internal as
is not only the responsibility well as external cleanliness is a
of the locals, but also of the prerequisite and that is why, we
devotees.” find places of worship as one of
– Champa Devi, the most clean places in a society.
Swachhata Warrior The holy pilgrimage of ‘Char
from Devar village Dham’ in Uttarakhand is currently
underway. The pilgrimage
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