New Delhi: In line with the Narendra Modi Government's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh today swept the campus using a broom asking students to take up the task of cleanliness themselves rather than depending on civic workers.
Launching the 'DU Swachhata Abhiyan' at the varsity's Gandhi Bhawan, the VC stressed upon the need to maintain cleanliness on campus as students and staff do at their homes.
"There is a need to listen to your inner conscience. When we do the same tasks at home, why not the campus. Why wait for sweepers to do so?," Singh said addressing a gathering including students, teaching and non-teaching staff of colleges spread across the two campuses.
"Aatmashuddhi (soul cleansing) is the buzzword that needs to be harnessed upon. When you are in a cleaner environment, you feel encouraged to keep it clean," he added.
The Deputy Dean of varisty's Equal Opportunity Cell, Bipin Tiwari administered the pledge of cleanliness to the gathering, following which the VC wielded the broom and started sweeping the campus roads.
Inspired by his gesture, the students and staff also joined hands and marched to different college campuses for the cleaning tasks.
In one of his rare public appearances since the FYUP row, the VC also visited his alma mater St Stephens College and remembered Gandhi's association with it.
"The draft for the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Open Letter to the Viceroy giving concrete shape to the Khilafat movement were prepared here when Mahatma Gandhi stayed with Principal Rudra during his visits to the College," he told students.
In keeping with Prime Minister's call for the Swachh Bharat campaign, DU has constituted a 20-member committee which would be responsible for spreading awareness among the students about cleanliness, hygiene and safety.
The varsity has also joined hands with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to undertake the cleanliness campaign.
"While the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of DU will take up the responsibility of cleanliness of the campus, they will be assisted by the MCD workers posted in the area. Today, also 100 MCD workers joined us in the drive," Tiwari said.
