The dictionary defines cleanliness as a state of being free from dirt.
As individuals we are obsessed with cleanliness. We shower twice a day* (atleast once where there is a water shortage), we wash our hands before and after eating meals, we sweep our homes and mop it with water. We do not allow even a trace of chocolate wrapper on the floor at our home.
This is the keyword. Home. We keep our home and ourselves spic and span. It would be an insult to us if someone were to visit our house and say it resembled a pigsty. (Not that I know how a pigsty looks) Anyway, the point here is, cleanliness is often restricted to self or home or rather where we get credit to keep everything neat and clean.
Once the responsibility ceases, we stop being the cleanliness freaks. We throw waste papers, wrappers & fruit skins out of the vehicle we are travelling in, we spit anywhere we please (to keep walls spit free, we need to put up pictures of God), we even pee and poop in public places without a care. Inspite of dustbins available easily, we have a tendency to through garbage where it is convenient to us. It seems like there is a challenge as to who throws garbage the least number of times in the trash can.
And then enters the Swachh Bharat Mission. I am principally against this mission. It is a sign of good citizen to keep his / her surroundings clean. But if we clean up the mess others did, for free, when would they take up responsibility for their actions?
The number of paid professionals to do this task as compared to the population is very less. We can reduce their burden by using the trash cans wisely and not go littering around. It is not that difficult either. We just need to be alert of our actions.
True cleanliness won’t be achieved unless people don’t wait for credit to not litter / not create a mess. It will be achieved when people realise their responsibilities. People need to clean their thoughts before they are expected to clean their cities.
A awareness to the need for overall cleanliness would lead to be a Godly experience for everyone for sure!
*necessity of living in a tropical country
