CM Saini leads cleanliness drive, flags off NaMo Marathon in Rohtak

A vibrant atmosphere prevailed on Wednesday morning between Subhash Chowk and Ashoka Chowk in Rohtak city, as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the state’s ‘Swachhta hi Seva’ (Cleanliness is Service) Pakhwada to commemorate the 75th birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister was seen sweeping the road and collecting garbage in an iron pan, leading by example in promoting cleanliness and civic responsibility. On one side of the road, school and college students, social activists and sports personalities — dressed in white T-shirts — gathered eagerly, warming up for the NaMo Marathon held under the Drug-Free Haryana campaign.

Spectators lined the footpaths, while many watched the event from inside the adjacent Mansarovar Park. The air was festive as tricolour balloons were released by the CM, adding a celebratory note to the occasion.

The highlight of the morning came when Saini, accompanied by former minister Manish Grover, joined the young participants and ran a short distance (up to Bajrang Bhawan) in a symbolic gesture. His participation was met with loud cheers, as he urged the youth to embrace fitness and make exercise a regular part of their lives.

The launch event in Rohtak set the tone for the 15-day Seva Pakhwada, which would feature a series of public welfare initiatives across the state, including cleanliness drives, health check-ups, tree plantation activities and anti-drug campaigns.

The day began early, with the CM arriving at Subhash Chowk to officially launch the cleanliness campaign — sending a strong message on the importance of civic hygiene and community involvement. Holding a broom, Saini swept the road in a symbolic gesture, urging both officials and citizens to actively take part in the drive.

He also took a moment to interact warmly with sanitation workers, acknowledging their dedication and invaluable contribution to keeping the city clean. The proceedings continued at Mansarovar Park, where Saini planted a sapling, symbolising the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Following the plantation drive, the CM flagged off the NaMo Marathon — a public awareness initiative aimed at curbing drug abuse among youth. Prior to the start, he also administered a drug de-addiction oath to the participants, calling for collective action against substance abuse.

Addressing the gathering, Saini said cleanliness, drug de-addiction and healthy living should now evolve into a mass movement.

“Today is a day of dedication, service and nation-building. The Prime Minister’s life journey — from humble beginnings to extraordinary leadership — is an inspiration for all of us. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has achieved unprecedented progress in self-reliance, innovation and inclusive development, gaining a new identity on the global stage,” he said. The CM also noted the double-engine government has introduced several landmark initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the promotion of self-help groups — each contributing to strengthening women’s roles in society.