Smriti Irani, the central HRD Minister, inaugurated the 'National Children Assembly' and the 'Integration Camp' in the National Bal Bhawan on this 14th November, the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, whose birthday is regarded as the Children's Day. The inauguration function saw the participation of more than 4500 children from Delhi itself and over 500 children from different Bal Kendras and Bal Bhavan around the country.
The theme outlined for the function was cleanliness (Swachhta). The function also witnessed the launch of the Bal Sawchhta Mission at the National Bal Bhawan with the release of a 10 feet wide balloon filled with helium. The major focus areas of the mission are as follows:
- Hygienic and clean food & Drinking water
- Cleanliness of toilets, self and the surroundings
She also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing some interesting moments from the life of Nehru. One of the other highlights of the program was the live webcast of the 'Swachhta themed' Bal Sansad from the students of Navodaya Vidyalaya. The children also came up with other performances such as Swachhta song, by the name of Vaadya Vrind and other classical dances.
The Minister was spellbound by the performances presented by the students and stated that she felt optimistic about India's future after witnessing such performances. She further added that on the International Student's Day, 17th November, some students would be invited to visit the HRD ministry where they would be able to interact with the officials. She left the students with a message that Swachh Bharat must go beyond clean surroundings and must be understood as cleanliness in thoughts and acts.