Swachh Bharat programme observed on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti at IIT Bhubaneswar amidst the pandemic

02nd Oct, 2020 Bhubaneswar: “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, was observed at IIT Bhubaneswar on 02nd October, 2020 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The program started at 9:30 a.m. with Prof. R V Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar offering floral tribute to “Bapuji” in the presence of faculty, and staff members. The "Swacchta" pledge was administered by the Registrar, after which the Director addressed the gathering.

Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar in his address conveyed that, “Non-violence and Truth are the basic doctrines of Gandhian philosophy. The Mahatma, a great thinker, a philosopher and the father of our nation, continues to be the epitome of great leadership, simplicity. Gandhiji's non-violence and Sathyagraha movement left a remarkable impression worldwide. He urged everybody and IITians in particular should continue to derive inspiration from this great personality of the Millennium. On this occasion, he asked each one of them to stand up for the values of Gandhian philosophy and work towards the prosperity of the nation. Shri Narendra Modiji, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India gave a clarion call for our commitment towards the “Swachhta" of our motherland starting from our own premises enabling us to lend our hands in this noble mission. All of us especially adopt the culture with a favourable mindset and make the concept of ‘Clean and Green India’, a reality. As we are celebrating the 151st Birth Anniversary Year of Mahatma Gandhi, we should now be more committed to accomplish this mission in a meticulous manner as it has more significance during the times of the ongoing pandemic.”

The celebration is also observed by the United Nations as the “International Day of Non-Violence” that aims to propagate his philosophy and principles.

Various online competitions were organized for the entire IIT Bhubaneswar fraternity through the virtual mode including a film festival focusing on Mahatma Gandhi. All the students, faculty and staff members at IIT Bhubaneswar participated in the Cleanliness Drive by adhering to all the safety and social distancing parameters in view of the ongoing pandemic to clean in the vicinity of the Main gate, work place and Campus as a part of the “Swachhta hi Sewa”, “Cleanliness is Service” campaign. Also present on the occasion were Prof. V.R. Pedireddi, Dean-Student Affairs, Col (Dr.) Subodh Kumar, Registrar, Dr. Sankarsan Mohapatro, President, Student Gymkhana, IIT Bhubaneswar along with other Faculty, Students and Staff Members of IIT Bhubaneswar in good numbers.