NEW DELHI, Oct 2: In a world often divided, the call for unity through service resonates more than ever. This week, churches across Delhi NCR answered that call as 202 participants from 22 churches and organizations joined forces for a citywide Cleanliness Drive on October 2, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness and non-violence. This initiative transcends mere cleaning; it reflects how faith can inspire community transformation.

The drive engaged participants across four areas of the National Capital Region (NCR): Dwarka, South Delhi, North Delhi, and Gurugram. Organized by local churches, Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs), EFICOR, and the Marginalized Track Team of the Delhi Movement, the initiative showcased a strong commitment to community service, with the MCDs providing resources like trucks, brooms, and volunteers. The local MCD councilor of Dwarka even participated, encouraging resident involvement and acknowledging the churches’ contributions.

The drive attracted young adults, students, and leaders from various organizations, with notable participation from the Ashish Foundation despite physical challenges. Ramesh Babu, Director of EFICOR, urged volunteers to view this effort as part of a larger commitment to ongoing service. Community interactions included a Dwarka resident requesting help to clean a nearby park and hospital staff from Indira Gandhi Hospital joining in, exemplifying the collective spirit of the initiative.

This united effort underscores the belief that caring for the environment honors God’s creation. Volunteers today demonstrated their role as caretakers, extending their faith beyond church walls into community service. Participants came from various locations, with 76 from Dwarka, 29 from Gurgaon, 46 from North Delhi, and 51 from South Delhi, reflecting not just participation but a shared purpose.

With prior training on creation care, participants showcased their dedication to environmental stewardship. As Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This initiative aimed to enhance unity among churches while fostering positive relationships with local communities and authorities, with a vision of making the drive a recurring effort.

Special thanks are due to all volunteers, churches, the MCD, the Ashish Foundation, and EFICOR for their contributions. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to team leaders for their coordination efforts. As the Cleanliness Drive concludes, it is clear that this initiative has planted seeds of service in the community, destined to bear fruit in ways yet unseen. By honoring Gandhi’s legacy, they exemplified the power of collective effort in creating a cleaner, greener city.