October 2, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Swachh Bharat Mission as more than just a cleanliness initiative, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for prosperity and dignity for the marginalized, especially women. Speaking at a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the mission, Modi highlighted the transformative impact it has had on millions of lives across India.

“This mission is not merely about cleanliness; it is a means of prosperity that has created jobs and restored dignity to the poor and women,” Modi stated. He commended the collective effort of millions of Indians, including sanitation workers, religious leaders, athletes, and celebrities, who have turned the initiative into a nationwide movement. “They have made it a part of their lives, and I appreciate their commitment,” he added.

Reflecting on the mission’s legacy, Modi asserted, “A thousand years from now, when studies will be conducted about India in the 21st century, the Swachh Bharat Mission will be remembered. In this century, it stands as the world’s biggest and most successful people’s revolution.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that the mission has significantly improved hygiene and sanitation across communities while generating employment opportunities in various sectors. Citing UNICEF, he revealed that approximately 13.5 million people have benefitted from the construction of toilets, thereby improving their quality of life.

Recalling the initial resistance he faced when advocating for sanitation facilities, Modi expressed how the plight of the poor, particularly women forced to defecate in the open, was a national embarrassment. “It was an insult to the poor that they had to suffer this indignity. Millions of women faced grave dangers daily, waiting for darkness to find privacy,” he said.