Swachhata Abhiyan observed across Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 2: On Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, the Swachhata Abhiyan was observed across all districts of Kashmir.

The celebrations were held under the direction of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In Srinagar, the District Judiciary and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), in collaboration with a local NGO, observed Swachh Bharat 2024 and celebrated Gandhi Jayanti at the District Court Complex in Srinagar. The event was guided by Jaffer Hussain Beg, Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, and supervised by Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.

The event commenced with a vibrant rally, featuring enthusiastic participation from all judicial officers of the District Judiciary, administrative staff, court staff, legal aid defense counsels from the District Legal Services Authority, Para Legal Volunteers from DLSA Srinagar, and law students from Kashmir University.

The rally was further energized by the presence of students from Kashmir Model Academy HMT and Habrus International School, Parimpora, who actively engaged in the cleanliness drive, embodying the spirit of Swachh Bharat Diwas and Gandhi Jayanti.

The rally traversed the premises of the District Court Complex Srinagar, transforming it into a symbol of collective commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment. This initiative aligned with the spirit of Swachh Bharat Diwas.

The program culminated in a significant plantation drive, initiated by the Chairman of DLSA Srinagar and other judicial officers, emphasizing the importance of preserving our environment for future generations. This initiative aimed to honor the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, promoting a sense of responsibility among the youth and the community at large.

In Anantnag, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) organized a cleanliness drive as part of the national campaign ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa (SHS-2024)’ to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, in collaboration with the District Judiciary.

The event was conducted under the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge Tahir Khurshid Raina (Chairman DLSA) and under the supervision of Secretary DLSA Anantnag, Muzamil Ahmad Wani. The initiative aimed to promote cleanliness and hygiene within the community while paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. With the support and encouragement of the local judicial system, the event sought to inspire citizens to actively participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Ek Kadam Swachhata Ki Ore).

After the cleanliness drive, the Principal District & Sessions Judge addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of cleanliness as a fundamental aspect of a progressive society. He elaborated on Mahatma Gandhi's ideology and the values he stood for, highlighting the duty of each citizen to contribute to a cleaner and healthier nation.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from officials of the District Court Anantnag, DLSA, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, the Municipal Council Anantnag, Para Legal Volunteers, and other key stakeholders in the judicial system.

Besides the cleanliness drive, DLSA held a sensitization program on “Swachhta Hi Seva / Swachhta Diwas-2024” at the ADR Centre, Anantnag, featuring a brief PowerPoint presentation on the dire need for maintaining cleanliness in and around offices, houses, buildings, and other public/private entities.

Officials from the District Judiciary and DLSA Anantnag learned about the importance of cleanliness and pledged to uphold a hygiene work culture in the office.

A plantation drive was also held under the guidance of the Chairman DLSA, as part of the broader 'Swachhta Hi Seva' initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and hygiene across the nation.

Similar events were also held at Tehsil Legal Services Committees in Ashmuqam, Bijbehara, Vailoo, Shangus, and Dooru with great enthusiasm.