Mysuru: The third anniversary of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan taken up by H.V. Rajeev Sneha Balaga was celebrated at a function organised at Nityotsava Convention Hall, near Ballal Circle here this morning.

The celebration was inaugurated by Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ramesh C. Jigajinagi by watering a sapling in the presence of Swami Mokshathmanandaji of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, former Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad, Mysuru District Journalist Association (MDJA) President C.K. Mahendra, H.V. Rajeev of the Balaga and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ramesh Jigajinagi said that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 following which the Mission was taken up throughout the country.

He further said that it is not only the work of the PM or the Balaga for Swachh Bharat, but it is the responsibility of every individual to keep their place and surroundings clean.

Stating that if a house is clean, the area will be clean; If the area is clean, the city will be clean and if the city is clean, the country will be clean, the Minister said that cleanliness also improves ones health and enough awareness had been created in this regard. The people now know their responsibilities, he said.

He further said that a bride’s parents now ask whether the groom’s house has a toilet before giving their daughter’s hand in marriage, which shows their responsibility and added that if everyone joins hands to keep their city clean, the country will be literally clean by 2019.

A 20 minutes documentary on ‘192 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activities’ taken up by Rajeev Sneha Balaga  from Oct. 2, 2014 to this date, in Kannada, Hindi and English languages, was released by former Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad on the occasion. Ex-MLC D. Madegowda, former MCC Commissioner Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, Srihari of SDM, MCC Health Inspector Dr. Nagaraj and Nagapathi along with seven Pourakarmikas were felicitated by the Balaga members.

Financial aid to the talented children of Pourakarmikas was also distributed.