Lucknow: In a people-centric tribute to Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Uttar Pradesh government will organise a statewide special cleanliness campaign on December 25. The initiative is being conducted on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to mark the culmination of the Atal Jayanti Centenary Celebrations.
The campaign aims to convey a strong message towards realising Atal Ji’s vision of a Clean, Strong and Self-Reliant India.
Cleanliness Drive to Reflect Atal Ji’s Ideals of Nation-Building
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a towering statesman who symbolised good governance, democratic values, social sensitivity and national unity. The December 25 cleanliness campaign is being positioned as a living tribute to these ideals, transforming remembrance into public participation.
The Chief Minister believes that collective cleanliness efforts resonate deeply with Atal Ji’s philosophy of inclusive development and civic responsibility.
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Urban and Rural Bodies Assigned Key Responsibilities
The responsibility for executing the statewide cleanliness drive has been assigned to two major wings of local governance:
Local Urban Bodies (ULBs) will conduct the campaign across all urban areas, including municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats.
The Panchayati Raj Department will spearhead the drive in rural areas, ensuring participation across every Gram Panchayat.
Both departments have been directed to ensure systematic planning, effective execution and maximum public participation.
Focus on Public Spaces and Community Participation
Under the special campaign, cleanliness activities will be undertaken at:
- Roads and marketplaces
- Government offices and buildings
- Educational institutions
- Public places and Gram Panchayat premises
The programme will see active participation of public representatives, government officials, sanitation workers, voluntary organisations, youth groups and common citizens, reinforcing a spirit of collective responsibility.
Inspiring Youth Through Atal Ji’s Life and Values
Beyond sanitation, the initiative seeks to inspire the younger generation by highlighting Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s values of patriotism, democratic ethics, poetry, compassion and public service. The campaign is designed to blend civic action with ideological inspiration.
District-Level Competitions and State-Level Grand Events
As part of the Atal Jayanti Centenary Culmination Programme, a series of activities have been planned:
- District-Level Events (December 18–22)
- Essay writing competitions
- Speech contests
- Painting competitions
- Poetry recitation
- State-Level Programme (December 25)
Main event at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow, in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath
Cultural Tribute to Atal Ji the Poet
Under the aegis of the Culture Department, a grand cultural programme will be organised on December 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow.
Winners of the poetry recitation competitions, especially from Lucknow, will present their compositions, paying homage to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s celebrated identity as a poet and thinker.
A Meaningful Tribute Through Action
By combining cleanliness, culture and citizen participation, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to transform Atal Jayanti from a ceremonial occasion into a movement of civic awareness and national responsibility, aligning governance with the enduring legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
