The “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, initiated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2014, was emphasised as a pivotal “social movement” for a cleaner and more hygienic India, Supreme Court Justice Sanjiv Khanna said on Monday.
Justice Khanna said this during an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, commemorating the birthdays of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri within the premises of the apex court.
“On Gandhi’s birthday, we launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. It is not merely a programme; it must be perceived as a collective social movement. Only when seen in this light can it hope to fulfil its intended goals and objectives,” he said. Justice Khanna continued, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience, as he emphasised, “A clean and hygienic India is a healthier and happier one.”
He underscored the enduring impact of individuals through their words and actions, citing various facets of Gandhi’s philosophy, such as non-violence, satyagraha, fasting for social and communal harmony, goodwill toward all, and simplicity in life. Justice Khanna also noted that Mahatma Gandhi was revered worldwide, and the most fitting tribute to the father of the nation was to internalise his teachings and translate them into action. Justice Khanna further cited two other quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, which he believed were particularly relevant to the judiciary. “Facts mean truth, and once we adhere to truth, the law comes to our aid naturally.”