Page 45 - Mann Ki Baat - English

The Indian government made sanitation and hygiene
national priorities by mobilising resources, engaging
communities, and igniting a movement to eliminate
open defecation and promote a cleaner, healthier
nation. The Swachh Bharat initiative demonstrates
India's exemplary commitment to improving the health
and well-being of its huge population.
-Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director
General of the World Health Organisation

Ten years ago, the Swachh Bharat Mission launched with a
bold vision to transform India through improved sanitation.
Today, as we reflect and celebrate the remarkable
achievements of this initiative, the World Bank is proud
to have been a steadfast partner in this journey.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Modi, whose personal
leadership and involvement made this bold vision a new
reality for India.
-Ajay Banga, World Bank President

Over the last decade, the Swachh Bharat Mission
has transformed the lives of millions across India,
providing cleaner cities and better sanitation. The Asian
Development Bank is proud to have partnered with India
on this visionary initiative, supporting it from the very
start. I would like to commend Prime Minister Narendra
Modi for spearheading this transformational campaign,
which has empowered women and the urban poor,
improved health, and created new opportunities.
-Masatsugu Asakawa, Asian Development
Bank President

Congratulations to the people of India on Swachh Bharat
Day, celebrated on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's
birth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched a decade ago with the
ambitious goal of eradicating open defecation across the
country. Since then, India has made tremendous strides
in improving sanitation and hygiene, installing millions of
toilets and building thousands of fecal sludge treatment
plants, ensuring safer sanitation for millions. India’s
approach has become a model for community-driven
programs, inspiring and mobilising people across the
nation.
-Bill Gates, Microsoft founder

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