SENAPATI, Oct 2: In a remarkable achievement, Emesiiphro Village has been awarded the prestigious title of one of the ‘Cleanest Villages’ in Mao-Maram T.D. Block Tadubi, Senapati District during the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024” campaign conferred by the Office of the Block Development Officer, stands as a testament to the village’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness and environmental stewardship.

The “Swachhata Hi Seva” (SHS) campaign, observed nationwide from September 17th to October 2nd, 2024, is a part of the larger Swachh Bharat Mission and marks the 10th anniversary of the mission’s launch in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The campaign’s theme, ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’, emphasizes cleanliness as both a natural way of life and a cultural value to be passed down through generations. In this spirit, villages across the country, including Emesiiphro, participated in a mass cleanliness drive, with a special focus on tree plantation and promoting environmental awareness.

Emesiiphro Village’s recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with its community-driven efforts towards cleanliness and sustainable living. The villagers have long prioritized maintaining clean surroundings, practicing waste management, and engaging in afforestation efforts. Their dedication was further amplified during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign, where residents of all ages participated in ‘Shramdaan’—voluntary labor—demonstrating their collective resolve to keep their village and environment pristine.

The village’s efforts reflect not only their commitment to achieving a clean village but also their alignment with the larger goal of a ‘Clean India’. Their participation in tree plantation drives, along with their waste management practices, made a lasting impact on both the community and the environment.

As part of the campaign’s culmination on “October 2nd—Gandhi Jayanti”, which honors Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean and self-reliant India—Emesiiphro’s award serves as an inspiration for other villages in the region. The recognition symbolizes the importance of community-driven efforts in realizing the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

This achievement is not just about a clean village; it represents a shift in mindset where cleanliness is seen as both a personal responsibility and a cultural legacy. Their story is a powerful reminder that true change begins at the grassroots level, and the journey towards a cleaner, greener India is one that we must all undertake.