Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, 27 September 2026, spotlighted cleanliness initiatives led by youth and communities across India, framing such efforts as the most fitting homage to Mahatma Gandhi ahead of his birth anniversary on 2 October. The address reinforced the Swachh Bharat spirit as the country approaches Gandhi Jayanti.

Gandhi's Cleanliness Mantra, Revisited

'My dear countrymen, 2nd October is just a few days away. It is the birth anniversary of our revered Bapu. Bapu gave us many mantras for life. Cleanliness is one of them,' Modi said during the broadcast. He noted that inspiring examples of cleanliness drives were circulating widely on social media in recent weeks, with pictures, videos, and reels drawing public attention to grassroots efforts.

Youth-Led Drives Across States

Modi cited specific examples from several states to illustrate the breadth of public participation. In Madhya Pradesh, youngsters have been cleaning a river, with the wider community joining what began as a small individual effort. In Andhra Pradesh, young volunteers are restoring old stepwells and wells, helping preserve heritage sites. Along the Mumbai coastline, hundreds of young people gather every week on different beaches to conduct clean-up drives. In Delhi, children and youth are actively encouraging residents to segregate waste and maintain clean surroundings. In West Bengal, students and local residents are cleaning markets and public spaces at picnic spots together.

The Power of Public Participation

'One thing is clearly visible: one person started this, and people joined in. This is called public participation. Cleanliness is also the most beautiful tribute we can pay to Bapu,' Modi said, underlining the multiplier effect of individual initiative on collective behaviour. He emphasised that such momentum, when sustained, could transform community habits at scale.

Context and Significance

The 138th Mann Ki Baat episode arrives as India marks the lead-up to Gandhi Jayanti, historically the anchor date for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched on 2 October 2014. Over a decade into the mission, the Prime Minister's focus on youth-driven, decentralised action signals a shift in communication strategy — from top-down government campaigns to celebrating citizen-led models. Notably, the examples chosen span geographically diverse states, reflecting an attempt to project the movement as a pan-India phenomenon rather than one concentrated in urban centres.

What Comes Next

With Gandhi Jayanti days away, large-scale cleanliness drives are expected across government offices, schools, railway stations, and public spaces nationwide. The Prime Minister's remarks are likely to amplify participation in these events, with civic bodies in several states already mobilising volunteers for 2 October clean-up campaigns.