The role of the media is undeniably vital in helping to popularise the plans and schemes of the government (“Modi lauds media role in Swachh Bharat campaign,” Oct. 26). It is human nature to expect eulogy and accept flattery. Hence, the encomiums of the Prime Minister should make the media work with even greater enthusiasm in helping propagate a noble cause — in enabling a clean India. The analogy of “pens turning into brooms” to sweep away the dirt should also be used to sweep away corruption and poverty.
Meenakshi Pattabiraman,Madurai
The report immediately brought to my mind the frustration of seeing the humongous amount of debris as an “aftermath” of Diwali celebrations. As the electronic media has shown, this seems to have been a problem all across India and raises the question on whether we are really sincere about ensuring the success of the ‘Clean Indian campaign.’ This Diwali was a classic example of how the age-old dictum “prevention is better than cure” would have worked. The authorities could have imposed heavy taxes on the sale of crackers and penalised those who indulged in celebrations that resulted in gross environmental pollution.
In Coimbatore, residents in my area achieved almost near success by exhorting everyone to gather at a common ground to celebrate Diwali. Paradoxically, a few adults brazenly chose to ignore the circular, whereas children were at the helm in creating awareness by circulating cards and meeting adults to pass on the message.
Raju Umamaheswar,Coimbatore
I like whatever Mr. Modi has been saying and doing after coming to power. The ‘Clean India’ campaign is one idea. However, all his good work will come to naught if our population keeps galloping. This is a subject on which his silence is puzzling. His views on this must be known.
Mathew Gainneos,Thiruvananthapuram
