Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Drive
On 17th September 2023, Delhi Odia Nari Kalyan Samiti (DONKS) proudly conducted a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drive, reaffirming its commitment to community cleanliness, public responsibility, and environmental awareness. The initiative was organised in alignment with the national Swachh Bharat Mission and acted as a reminder that every citizen has a role in maintaining a clean and hygienic public environment. For DONKS, a women-led organisation rooted in Odia cultural values, the drive symbolised not just cleanliness but also discipline, dignity, and collective social duty.
The event was held in a public area near India Gate, chosen because of its high footfall and the frequent littering that occurs despite municipal efforts. Members of DONKS, along with their families, children, and volunteers, gathered early in the morning, dressed in comfortable attire and armed with brooms, gloves, garbage bags, and hand-held placards displaying messages such as “Swachhta Se Samriddhi,” “Clean Delhi, Green Delhi,” and “Let’s Be the Change.”
The Chairperson began the day with a short address on the importance of cleanliness in both home and society, emphasising that Swachh Bharat is not merely a government program but a behavioural movement. She reminded everyone that traditional Odia households have long upheld the values of hygiene and purity, and initiatives like this help extend those cultural practices into public spaces.
Once the instructions for safety and workflow were shared, the team divided into groups and started the cleanliness drive. Volunteers diligently picked up plastic wrappers, bottles, paper waste, and other disposables scattered around pathways, lawns, and shaded seating areas. Children participated enthusiastically, learning hands-on lessons in community responsibility. Their excitement added a youthful charm to the entire activity, showing how early awareness can transform future habits.
Passers-by and morning walkers paused to observe the DONKS members at work, and many appreciated the effort openly. Some even joined briefly, demonstrating the ripple effect a small group can create when leading by example. DONKS members also engaged with the public, encouraging them not to litter and to use dustbins properly, politely reminding them that civic pride begins with individual actions.
A brief awareness interaction followed where members spoke about waste segregation, reducing single-use plastic, and the importance of keeping shared spaces clean. They distributed small pamphlets highlighting simple steps households can adopt to contribute to Swachh Bharat on a daily basis.
Throughout the drive, the organising committee ensured that collected waste was properly segregated and handed over to municipal sanitation workers, maintaining compliance with Delhi’s waste management guidelines. The emphasis was not just on cleaning for one day but on reinforcing a mindset of cleanliness and responsibility.
The drive concluded with a short reflection circle, where participants shared their experiences and suggestions for future clean-up initiatives. Members expressed pride in the collective effort and agreed that such activities strengthen the community bond while contributing meaningfully to society. The Chairperson thanked all participants, especially the children, for showing dedication and enthusiasm.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by DONKS on 17th September 2023 stood as a strong example of how community-driven actions can inspire broader change. It reflected the organisation’s commitment not only to cultural preservation but also to public welfare, environmental stewardship, and nation-building.
