Image credits - ANI
In a demonstration of commitment to cleanliness and civic responsibility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively participated in a ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ (cleanliness drive) in Nashik, Maharashtra, on Friday. The event preceded the inauguration of the 21.8-kilometer Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge. A video widely shared on social media showed PM Modi personally engaging in the cleanliness drive at the historic Kalaram temple situated in the Panchavati area of Nashik, along the banks of the Godavari.
Addressing the Rashtriya Yuva Mahotsav at Nashik’s Tapovan Ground, Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens nationwide to undertake cleanliness activities in temples before the scheduled consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He expressed the urging that, on the occasion of the ‘pran pratishtha’ in the Ram Temple, a cleanliness campaign should be conducted in all temples and shrines across the country. The Prime Minister conveyed that he had the privilege of visiting Kalaram Temple and personally engaging in the cleaning of the temple premises on that day.
Following the cleanliness drive, PM Modi participated in the epic narrative recitation of the Ramayana, specifically the ‘Yudh Kanda’ segment, at the Mandir Sansthan. He also offered prayers at the Kalaram temple, thus reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of such gestures.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid homage to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, acknowledging the day as a celebration of the youth power of India. Speaking to a gathered crowd, he expressed gratitude for being present on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, emphasizing the profound impact the great leader had on India during challenging times.
PM Modi’s visit to Maharashtra included laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹30,500 crores. The highlight of the day was the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, commonly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). This 21.8 km long 6-lane bridge, constructed at a cost of over ₹17,840 crores, is expected to enhance connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time.
In addition to the bridge inauguration, the Prime Minister dedicated several railway projects to the nation, including ‘Phase 2 of the Uran-Kharkopar railway line’ in Navi Mumbai. He also launched the ‘Namo Mahila Shashaktikaran Abhiyaan,’ a program aimed at empowering women in Maharashtra by providing skill development training and exposure to entrepreneurship development.