ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari Observes Swachh Bharat Diwas with Community Participation

2 October 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar, observed Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2 October 2026 through a series of cleanliness, awareness and community participation activities at the institute campus and Kunwarpur village. The programme focused on promoting the Gandhian values of cleanliness, community service and collective responsibility through the Swachhata pledge, awareness rallies, shramdaan and plantation under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Shri Pramod Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly, Motihari, graced the occasion and encouraged participants to uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi through cleanliness, public participation and community service. He emphasised that the success of Swachh Bharat depends on active citizen participation and collective efforts to maintain clean and healthy villages, institutions and public spaces.

The programme commenced at ICAR-MGIFRI with Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and administering the Swachhata pledge to institute personnel. Addressing the participants, he highlighted cleanliness as an essential component of individual discipline and social responsibility and called for sustained shramdaan, behavioural change and Jan Bhagidari to ensure lasting cleanliness.

A cleanliness awareness rally was organised in and around the institute campus to sensitise local residents about maintaining clean surroundings, responsible waste disposal and active participation in cleanliness initiatives. Mango saplings were also planted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, reinforcing the messages of cleanliness, environmental conservation and increasing green cover.

At Kunwarpur village, ICAR-MGIFRI scientists and staff, farmers and local residents participated in community shramdaan and cleanliness activities. The participants cleaned village lanes and common spaces, collected litter and discarded materials, and removed Parthenium and other unwanted vegetation. The activity demonstrated the importance of institutional-community collaboration in strengthening village cleanliness.

An awareness rally and interaction programme were also organised in the village, during which residents were sensitised about waste segregation, responsible waste disposal, reduction of plastic waste and composting of biodegradable waste. The importance of transforming cleanliness drives into sustained community practices was also emphasised.

More than 100 farmers and villagers participated in the Swachhata pledge administered by the Director at Kunwarpur. The observance reinforced the message that sustainable cleanliness requires individual responsibility, community ownership and collective action, while reaffirming ICAR-MGIFRI’s commitment to promoting clean, healthy and environmentally responsible communities.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)