PM Modi Calls Surat’s Cleanliness Drive The Most Valuable Gift Of His Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commended a massive cleanliness initiative in Surat that involved more than one lakh participants. He described the waste collected during the campaign as the most valuable gift presented to him during his visit.

Addressing a public gathering on World Environment Day, the Prime Minister said the city had transformed a routine sanitation exercise into a powerful civic movement. He noted that the campaign reflected a strong sense of public involvement and collective responsibility.

“You welcomed me, presented various mementoes and gifts. But even more valuable than all these gifts is the priceless gift that Surat has given me. Surat has gifted me garbage,” he added.

The Prime Minister referred to a five-day cleanliness drive conducted before his arrival. More than one lakh residents reportedly participated in the campaign.

“For me, this is a huge gift,” he said while expressing gratitude to everyone involved.

PM Modi observed that people often expect visiting leaders to receive ceremonial honours and expensive presents. He further said Surat had delivered a far more meaningful message through its cleanliness effort.

“People usually think that a Prime Minister should receive grand gifts during a welcome. But you are taking pride in gifting garbage,” he added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the campaign’s importance extended beyond the quantity of waste collected. He said participation by over one lakh residents effectively represented the involvement of more than one lakh families.

“This is not merely a cleanliness campaign. It is a cultural festival for a healthy future,” he said.

PM Modi linked the initiative to Surat’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities. He noted that despite repeatedly earning national cleanliness honours, the city continued to pursue large-scale sanitation efforts.

“That is why I say Surat is not a city, Surat is a spirit,” he said.

The Prime Minister recalled Surat’s remarkable transformation since the 1990s, when the city faced significant public health challenges. He credited residents, civic authorities, elected representatives and municipal workers for maintaining progress over the past two-and-a-half decades.

The remarks formed part of his broader World Environment Day message, which stressed public participation in environmental conservation, waste management and sustainable urban development.

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