I remember as a child writing essays on ‘Cleanliness is Godliness’ even when I did not know the meaning of the proverb. I remember being all high and mighty in my thoughts and claiming that India should employ more sweepers to keep the streets clean. That was my simple solution to a silly problem that the government should have solved years ago, or so I thought. As I grew up, I realized that even if the number of cleaning staff doubled, India will continue to remain dirty.
The problem was not with the government, it was with the people themselves. The ‘chalta hai’ attitude for which we are known worldwide makes us believe that it is acceptable to throw a pee here, spit there and litter everywhere. We are so used to living in dirty surroundings, that it hardly affects us. Sure, we do wrinkle our noses with distaste once in a while, but that is, well, once in a while. Other times, as long as we are in the safety of our concrete confinements, we don’t care about the rest of the world.
The problem, according to many, is not with us but with ‘them’; those nameless, faceless millions who litter the paths that we tread on, careful not to dirty our stilettos or boots.
So, before you walk out of your house to clean up your drive (with a camera in tow, of course) please answer the following questions:
Do you quietly litter the place when nobody is looking?
Do you take your pets out and not clean the mess?
Do you turn a blind eye when your friends/family/acquaintances litter?
Do you keep quiet when the government officials do not take up cleanliness on a priority?
If you have answered yes to even a single question, then you have no right to talk about how unclean your city, town or village is. Cleanliness has to come from within and every person needs to believe that change can start from him or her.
So instead of lamenting about the sad state of affairs, YOU need to bring about a change. Use these five simple steps:
Adopt an area and start a cleanliness drive. Clean up the place, beautify it with plants or anything else that you like so that no one will have the heart to dirty it again.
Shame people who dirty places publicly. Oh yes, tell them that their photos will be posted on social networking sites if they don’t clean up. It works like magic. Believe me, I have tried it 🙂
Ensure that you carry a bag around to put all your litter in. So you won’t have the excuse that there were no dustbins.
Contribute and install community dustbins around your area.
The most important part; hold the government accountable. If your trash hasn’t been taken out for days or a garbage dump is not cleaned regularly, file a complain. Raise your voice loud and clear.
These were a few thought starters; maybe you have more innovative suggestions, do share them below. J
Let’s strive to make our country one of the cleanest places in the world.
*About #AbMontuBolega campaign
“There are places that need cleaning, people who deserve your attention & authorities who need to hear your opinions! Don’t be a silent spectator. Raise your voice and make a difference.
We know that raising our voices against all that is dirty in our country is a power that we all have. Let’s exercise the power of our voice & work towards a Swach Bharat.
Kyuki Bin Bole Ab Nahi Chalega #AbMontuBolega.”
* Text taken from campaign page.
We remember the day seven years back when were travelling in a Mumbai local trying hard to come up with a name for our blog when struck us; Khushboo was always called a Jack of all Trades. The name stuck (with a slight modification, of course) and Munni was born.
Six years, over 100 collaborations, lakhs of readers and several awards later; our love for blogging continues to grow. We continue to write on an eclectic range of topics from the funniest autorickshaw signs that we have spotted in Mumbai to how to bathe an elephant. We are true blue Munni of all Trades and we hope to continue on this joyride with our fellow Munnis and Munnas.
Philippines has the same problem. But you are correct, it must all start from the people. If we all help each other, we can all make a difference for the better!
I totally agree! I'm from the Philippines too and I agree with Angelo! WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. Again, I totally agree with you when you said that it's not the government fault but the people. I seriously hate it when I see people who just litter and spit everywhere! I really tell them off and though it offends them or shame them in public, they should be taught.
I never throw my trash until I find a proper disposal. If I can't find a trash can or some sort, I hold on to it until I get home so I can throw. You can really see from people who were raised well and who were not. Sorry if that sounds mean.
Every movement starts with a single step. I agree with you, we should start with ourselves, only ten can we influence others to do the same.
Couldn't agree more! Anyway, it's best to educate from young, so school play an important role I suppose.
We must be aware of our environment always to keep it clean and productive. We have our social responsibilty to the mother Earth.
cleanliness has to start from us and trained or cultivate the good habits from young. it takes time for the government to change the people. hopefully together we can spread the awareness and show good example of being a responsible person for our mother nature
I support this campaign! We need that in Manila too!
I guess it's easier to have people adopt a clean habit than have a lot of cleaner. I think it would be better to have a mass campaign on the importance of cleanliness.
we don't have this problem here. but i support your campaign 🙂
This is a great cause to want to take action on. I am not the neatest person in the world, but dirt bothers me. Garbage bothers me. I am glad you are doing something about it..
You have rightly described the “Chalta hai attitude”. People really don't care for spreading dirt outside their homes. We all need to change this attitude and it will surely help us in return.
Well written post. Have a nice day.
Our country has the same problem. NO SELF-DISCIPLINE! Everything really begins with one's own self. But hey, every small step matters. We should start the change ourselves, or else nothing at all would happen
I totally agree with you! India would be much better without all the trash on the streets. One thing I will never forget was when I asked an indian friend about this, she says: Because we are free and we can do anything we want. That was it….end of conversation…how could you make those people change their mind and worry little bit more for the rest is the key here! Good post, thank's for share it!
The biggest initiative in favour of the cleanliness drive would be awareness about it and then hopefully everyone will make an effort to do their bit! The tips you gave would definitely help.
Everyone has to make the effort to chip in to make things happen.
Although I didn't lived through the era of the developing Singapore, the govt used punishment for litter to get everyone's attention to pick up the trash. Although now it seems to be a norm to keep clean, there are still some people who will still constantly litter.
Only when everyone contributes a little will then accumulate a whole lot of changes.
Great post! Cleanliness is very important! Not only in India, but all the places. If everyone can start from themselves, it can be changed.
It's always easy and convenient to point fingers to others, but yeah, I couldn't agree more, it should start from the people. 😀 Philippines has the same problem, but I would like to believe we are growing, improving… becoming more vigilant… 😀
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Swachh Bharat circle which is launched by Local Circles brings together citizens of India for the cause of Swachh Bharat abhiyaan and enables them to give direct policy inputs to the Government for clean india.