The Atal Setu revealed Mumbai’s eastern skyline like never before—a view we hadn’t been exposed to until now! We all value good infrastructure—smooth roads, towering skyscrapers, and bustling urban spaces. These are undoubtedly markers of progress. But while we invest heavily in them, are we paying enough attention to something just as crucial?
India has something no other country can replicate: its unique culture, diversity, and soul. The chaotic charm, the vibrancy, the history—it’s all here. But we’re missing one key element to make this a world-class experience: cleanliness.
I recently visited Banaras, and while the experience was mesmerizing, one thing stood out to me—the city was dirty. The ghats, which are such a vital part of our culture and heritage, were littered with garbage and waste. I couldn’t help but wonder—why would foreigners visit a place where we don’t even offer a clean environment, free from gutkha stains and trash?
The truth is, there’s a far bigger mess to clean up—one that goes beyond the garbage on the streets. It’s a mindset issue, and it starts with educating young minds. We need to teach the next generation that keeping public spaces clean is just as important—if not more—than keeping their homes spotless.
This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a 100-year journey—a process of rebuilding the psyche of an entire nation. But imagine the possibilities.
We don’t need to replicate anyone else’s success story. We just need to organize ourselves, take pride in our surroundings, and instill these values deeply in our people.
And here’s where the future holds even more promise. With population decline projected after 2060, we have a rare opportunity to plan strategically and rebuild—not just our infrastructure, but our collective mindset. A cleaner, more organized India will open doors to opportunities, attract global admiration, and pave the way for long-term prosperity.
To make this vision a reality, programs like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan must become more than just campaigns—they need to be integrated into our daily lives. This cultural shift is vital for building a thriving, prosperous India.
The vision isn’t just about polished infrastructure. It’s about creating a nation where we are as proud of our public spaces as we are of our homes. That’s the India we owe to the future.
Tag: Infrastructure
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Clean streets, clean minds