Swachhotsav 2025, a Union government initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission, was inaugurated at the Central University of Karnataka here on Wednesday.

The fortnight-long programme will feature various cleanliness and awareness activities till October 2.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana urged citizens to act responsibly towards nature.

"Mahatma Gandhi dreamt of a clean and hygienic India, free from pollution. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is striving to fulfil that dream. Today, we are suffering from diseases because of pollution. If we fail to keep our surroundings clean, we may, one day, have to pay a heavy price for clean water and air," he said and advised students and staff to maintain cleanliness in homes, streets, gardens, hostels, offices, campuses and water bodies.

Chief guest Channaveer R.M. stressed the spiritual dimension of cleanliness. "Cleanliness is next to godliness. Social reformer Basaveshwara emphasised both inner and outer purification. Cleanliness must become part of our daily life and this requires a change in people's attitudes. Making villages open defecation-free is a key step towards achieving the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission," he said.

Director of Campus Development Veeresh Kasabegoudar said that cleanliness drives should not be limited to being symbolic events but they must be a daily practice.

"In India, we have just 28 trees per person compared to the global average of 455. We all share the responsibility of keeping our campus green and clean," he added.

Swachh Bharat Mission Nodal Officer at Central University Jagadish Biradar said that during the fortnight, shramdaan and cleanliness drives will be taken up in villages, schools, anganwadis, primary health centres, colleges and other public spaces.

Activities will include repair and renovation of toilets, exhibition on waste to wealth, awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops, rallies, plantation drives, plogging events, Nukkad Nataks and signature campaigns against single-use plastics.

Prof. Satyanarayana inaugurated the Selfie Booth for the signature campaign and administered the Swachhata pledge.

Shivaganga Rumma, G.R. Angadi, R.S. Hegadi, Vijaykumar, Pandurang Patti, P.S. Kattimani, Srikantayya, Niteen B. Sangamesh, Jayadevi Jangamashetty, Swapnil Chapekar and other faculty members were present.

Swachhotsav 2025 begins at Central University in Kalaburagi