President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday flagged-off a march for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family members participated in the event. On the occasion, President Mukherjee and those present released balloons in the air before the President flagged off the march as a symbol of the commitment of Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that synchronizing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan with Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday is most appropriate as he had always emphasized on adoption of cleanliness in our daily lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to share whatever activities they undertake related to cleanliness on October 2 (today) on his official mobile app. In an audiovisual campaign, Modi asked citizens to upload photographs so that these can act as inspiration for others.

“Share photos of your cleanliness initiatives with me on the NM App. Your efforts can inspire several others,” PM tweeted. Modi’s flagship programme Swachh Bharat Mission turns two on Sunday.

On Friday , Modi had asked citizens to become “swachhagrahis” to achieve freedom from dirt. Modi had also said there should be an atmosphere of “hatred against filth”.

“What we need is an army of such swachhagrahis in every street,” PM had said while inaugurating the country’s first mega event on sanitation, INDOSAN. The Prime Minister was referring to those who voluntarily dedicate themselves to cleanliness and complete sanitation.

“Cleanliness is also an indication of smartness. We need to be aware of maintaining cleanliness in public places” said Rajnath Singh, Union home minister.

The Porbandar venue is all set for two years celebrations of Swachh Bharat Mission

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu flags off Swachhta rally in Delhi