Unity College of Teacher Education (UCTE), Dimapur, organized the Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan 2024 under the theme "Cleanliness of Nature, Cleanliness of Culture” on 1st October, 2024 at college seminar hall, Dimapur.
Chief Executive Officer of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Thungchanbemo Tungoe, addressing the B.Ed students, emphasized the importance of active involvement in the mission to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental sustainability as part of the government’s nationwide campaign.
Launched in 2014, the Clean India program remains the largest cleanliness initiative in the country, with over 3 million participants in its first year alone. Although the original goal was to achieve a clean India by 2019, the movement has extended beyond that timeline, remaining a crucial ongoing effort.
Tungoe highlighted the annual “Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan” as a key feature of the Clean India initiative. Held in the lead-up to Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October, the campaign reinforces the message of cleanliness through national drives. However, Tungoe stressed that the focus on cleanliness must not end with the culmination of this annual event, urging students and citizens alike to continue these efforts year-round.
“Cleanliness is essential for a healthy lifestyle,” Tungoe said, exhorting students to prioritize actions such as plastic waste management and segregation of dry and wet waste at home. He further reminded the students that the campaign’s reach must extend beyond cities to rural areas, where active participation is even more critical. “The youth have a significant role to play in reaching these areas, as the Dimapur Municipal Council cannot do it alone,” he added.
Tungoe also outlined practical measures for maintaining cleanliness, including reducing plastic usage, conserving water, planting more trees, and keeping local surroundings clean. Students were encouraged to lead by example, actively participate in government initiatives, and spread awareness about cleanliness in their communities.
Additionally, the CEO proposed incorporating cleanliness and environmental education into the B.Ed curriculum, to inculcate these values in future generations. “Each small action contributes to a larger Impact, and it is vital that we educate others and keep this mission alive,” he remarked.
As part of its ongoing effort to support the Swachh Bharat Mission and to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, the college organized a series of competitions, including essay writing, poetry, photography, and painting and certificates were awarded to the winners across all categories. The winners of the Essay Competition were L. Mhabene Shiteri (1st), Urmila Baitha (2nd), and Vizohuno Kengurusie (3rd).
In the Poetry Competition, Smita Rai secured 1st place, followed by Noksenkumla (2nd) and Ngaugia Ekok (3rd). For the Photography Competition, Naomi M Phom claimed 1st place, while Tito N Chishi and Sangyangtola T Chang took 2nd and 3rd, respectively. In the Painting Competition, the top three spots were awarded to Imlchangling (1st), Imtikala (2nd), and Angel Konyak (3rd).
The program was led by Kinoli Yepthomi, 3rd Semester followed with an invocation by Nongam Konyak, a 1st-semester student, followed by a welcome note from Dr. Akala Longkumer, Principal of UCTE. And a presentation titled Cleanliness is Nature, Cleanliness is Culture was delivered by Pinoli Kiba from the 3rd semester. The session also featured a presentation on The Clean Revolution by 3rd-semester students and a cleanliness pledge led by Ngaugia, 3rd semester.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from W. Shanglih Konyak, a 1st-semester student.
(I. Tiakumla, Ao, IA Dimapur)
