Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Devaswom and Co-operation
Shri K. Muraleedharan, MLA,
Adv. V. K Prashanth, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram City
Padmashri K.M. Beenamol, Olympian
Dr. Kishore, Principal, Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education,
Dr KVK Reddy, Academics in Charge, Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education,
My beloved Students, Friends in Media,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy address you all as we get ready for a cleanliness drive as part of the Swachchata Fortnight, being observed from 1st to 14th of August.
Let me begin by complimenting the Principal, Faculty and Students of Lekshmibai National College of Physical Education for organizing this activity in eleven different College regions under the Sports Authority of India, to highlight the importance of a clean environment in our lives. I understand that LNCPE is carrying out this programme in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
While expressing my gratitude for coming into Kerala Raj Bhavan, I must also inform you that you will have very little of cleaning work to do here. That is because, we at Kerala Raj Bhavan have been very particular about keeping our premises as clean and plastic free as possible.
However, there is certainly scope for more greenery in the Raj Bhavan compound and so we have arranged for the planting of some saplings by the students of Lekshmibai National College of Physical Education. Let me also tell you that our policy is to plant ten trees, when we are compelled to cut one tree or a branch for some construction work or to ensure safety of electrical installations in Raj Bhavan compound.
Today's programme is part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched on Gandhi Jayanti Day of 2014, to ensure cleanliness and hygiene all over India. The programme has gained nationwide acceptance and its appeal is increasing day by day. It is good to see students like you joining this campaign because this is also a fight against pollution, which is a silent killer. We cannot ignore the fact that air and water pollution kills millions of people every year. By ensuring a clean environment, we are guarding our society against such threats. Therefore, I feel that this activity should become a habit and a way of life for all of us in future too.
As you all know, Kerala is now carrying out Harithakeralam project to popularize cleanliness and organic farming. I am happy to tell you that Kerala Raj Bhavan is also cultivating vegetables for this Onam. Besides, we have developed a medicinal plant garden. Recently, all our staff took home one Vepu and Curry-Vepu saplings and vegetable seeds for planting in their homesteads. All these show how active we are in maintaining the greenery and cleanliness in our surroundings.
I am happy that you students who have excelled in sports are actively engaged in this campaign by coming forward to plant saplings here. Planting new trees is also a way to keep our environment clean and Green. I would personally request all of you to strengthen your commitment to Nature by spreading your activities to the rural areas of Kerala too.
I compliment the Principal Dr. G. Kishore, students and teachers of Lekshmibai National College of Physical Education for participating in this Swachchata Fortnight programme by planting saplings in the Raj Bhavan Campus. Together, let us make the world greener and cleaner. I wish you all the best.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
