Students lead cleanliness drive at Baijnath’s ancient Shiva Temple

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Shimla Circle, observed the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign’ at the historic Shiva Temple Complex, Baijnath.

The nationwide drive, running from September 17 to October 2, will culminate on Gandhi Jayanti with Swachhata Diwas. As part of the initiative, a Swachhata Shramdaan drive was organised on the temple premises.

Nearly 70 school students from local institutions, their teachers and ASI staff joined hands in the cleanliness effort. To foster creativity and spread awareness, the ASI also held drawing and rangoli competitions.

In the drawing competition, Alisha Sahu of Parmarth International School won first prize, followed by Sunakshi of Gurukul Public Senior Secondary School and Aditi of Pandit Amarnath Sanatan Dharam School. In the rangoli competition, Parmarth International Public School bagged the first prize, Vision International Public School the second and Gurukul Public School the third.

The programme was attended by Dilawar Singh Deol, BMO-Baijnath, as chief guest. He motivated students by underlining the value of cleanliness and stressed the need for responsible disposal of medical and household waste.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Vijay Kumar Bodh, Assistant Archaeologist, ASI Shimla Circle. The campaign also saw active support from My Bharat, Government of India, ensuring its success.