By Vincent Joseph for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco ITI Chinchwad marked Gandhi Jayanti by conducting a Cleanliness Drive in line with the directive of the Government of Maharashtra. The initiative was coordinated by Mr Vincent Joseph, Welding Instructor, who motivated students to contribute actively to the mission. 

 Marking Gandhi Jayanti with a cleanliness initiative also serves to educate students and the community about waste management, public hygiene, and respect for one's environment.  These drives not only help foster habits that prevent illness and pollution but also reinforce the belief that true social change begins with personal responsibility and collective action, as Gandhi advocated.  By engaging in such activities, individuals demonstrate their commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable society, sincerely paying tribute to Gandhi's vision of a clean India.

 Students were assigned to clean different areas in the neighborhood, including Ashakiran Hospital, Mother Theresa Ashram, and nearby streets. At the Ashram, students cleared gardens and removed wild plants, while at Ashakiran Hospital they swept the garden and hospital premises. The group on the streets focused on cleaning pathways and surrounding areas, spreading the message of community participation in maintaining hygiene.

 The institute has consistently emphasized the value of cleanliness through Good Morning talks, workshops, and soft skill programs, ensuring that students understand its importance in daily life. 

 With a new batch of students enrolled this September, training on hygiene and cleanliness will be incorporated into both theoretical and practical sessions as part of their soft skills development. Adding to these efforts, Don Bosco ITI has also announced plans to upgrade campus washrooms and improve drinking water facilities, providing safe and pure water for its members. Furthermore, seminars and workshops aimed at creating awareness that “cleanliness leads to a healthy life” will be organized regularly, integrating health education with academic training.

 At the conclusion of the Gandhi Jayanti activities, Mr. Nilesh Chandgude, Principal, commended the staff and students for their participation in the drive. He stressed the need to inculcate cleanliness as a way of life while announcing that daily assessments of workshop cleaning will now be carried out. Students will also be recognised and rewarded for their punctuality, discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment to cleanliness.