Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal, on the occasion of his 157th birth anniversary.
They attended the National Cleanliness Day Observation and Swachh Bharat Diwas 2026, where the Governor called for sustained public participation and responsible civic practices to realise the vision of a clean, healthy and sustainable Manipur.
Addressing the gathering, Bhalla said the vision of a clean and sustainable Manipur must be rooted in Gandhi’s enduring values of truth, non-violence, simplicity, self-discipline and service. For Gandhi, he said, cleanliness was not merely a matter of personal hygiene but a reflection of inner values, civic responsibility and concern for the well-being of society.
The Governor noted the progress made in Manipur under the Swachh Bharat Mission, saying collective efforts by communities across the State had contributed to cleaner villages and public spaces. He called for these efforts to be sustained through active public participation and responsible practices.
He stressed that every citizen, household and community has a vital role in building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Manipur while carrying forward Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness and service.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh recalled Gandhi’s significant role in India’s freedom movement and said he continues to be remembered and respected as the Father of the Nation.
Observing that National Cleanliness Day is being observed across the country, the Chief Minister said cleanliness must remain a collective responsibility. He said the State Government was taking necessary measures to improve cleanliness and urged citizens to contribute towards maintaining a clean environment and society.
Recounting an incident from his constituency, Khemchand said Singjamei Super Market had earlier faced problems of indiscriminate garbage disposal. Following the installation of a CCTV camera and cooperation from local club members and police, persons found disposing of garbage were identified and fined Rs 5,000, he said.
The Chief Minister said maintaining cleanliness at Khwairamband Keithel would require strict supervision and enforcement by the police. He also appealed to the public to cooperate and share responsibility for keeping public places clean.
The observation was attended by Minister of Home and Youth Affairs & Sports Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh, Arunkumar Thangjam, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Achab Uddin and Dr Yumnam Radheshyam Singh.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, senior civil and police officials and members of the public also attended the programme.
The event featured a musical presentation by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College and a choreographic presentation by artistes of the Government Dance College.
