One month has elapsed since the (very!) hyped “Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan” was launched. There were pledges, publicity and of course our celebrity
PM, to kick starts what was considered a game changer! But has it turned out to
that way? Has anything changed?
There are some reports that some societies have taken it up
wholeheartedly. There are also reports that most of the govt's “not so tidy”
offices have turned into clean heavens. But unfortunately, most of the nation is
still sleeping in her deep slumber. The “Business as usual” approach still
holds the maximum share and the evergreen "Who cares?" attitude still
holds its ground firmly.
(Src:
In a nutshell, the movement has been a mixed affair (like MNREGA et al). So, where did it go right and where it didn't? Some important lessons –
1. Attitude - The
success stories are mostly coming from places where people have been vigilant
even before the movement. Call it Media's conspiracy or a govt's trick, most of
the places which have been getting coverage these days have been that way
before as well. So, how much change has happened is anybody's guess.
2. Govt's clean
offices - There have been some monitory mechanisms put in those places and
some serious caveats handed over that if during any check they are found
guilty, there will be some serious consequences. So it's basically the "fear
psychosis" game played. Proving effective though!
3. Also, with the checks, certain uncertainty has been
maintained by colouring it with "anytime" colours i.e. no fixed checking
schedules set. Simply put, some surprise visits in store!
"Leading the way!" (Src: DNA)
4. Since, it was launched by one popular leader and has been endorsed by many celebs across the spectrum (with many actors uploading their "with the broom" selfies on twitter, FB etc) it has gained a certain brand. Good lesson for future schemes.
Most importantly, these are not just any adverts (like polio campaign), these are some celebs
at work which gives a message to the common man who's in awe of these -
"If they can, why can't we?" So again, more effective!
"Cleaning, not dancing!" (Src: ABPLive)
5. Last but not the least, the importance of leaders in this
movement has been felt like never before. In some RWAs (Resident Welfare
Associations) in Delhi, the heads have been leading the way. Unfortunately, our
nation has remained sick with its "Herd" mentality for ages now, but
here it's proving to be quite handy. This is similar to the celeb effect
mentioned above but at the grassroots level which has some serious implication.
All in all, it's important that the people of this nation
change their attitude and keep their surroundings clean, healthy and alive
otherwise not much will be changed just like the women's safety situation which
has already given us a bad name the world over. Jai Hind. #SwachhBharatAbhiyan
#1MonthPast
