Indian consulates in Melbourne & Perth lead ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’

Melbourne/Perth, January 17 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Consulate General of India in Melbourne initiated the 'Swachhta Pakhwada' campaign from January 16 to 31, 2024, under the guidance of Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar. Officials of the Consulate took part in administering the 'Swachhta pledge' to uphold cleanliness standards within the Consulate premises.

'Swachhta,' or cleanliness, has been a paramount mission in India since Indian Prime Minister Modi's inauguration in 2014, reflecting a relentless pursuit of national sanitation.

In Perth, the Consulate office embraced the Swachhata Pakhwada by organizing clean-up drives in various areas, including the multifunction area, outdoor galleries, and kitchen within the Chancery premises. These efforts, while upholding high cleanliness standards, also prepared the Consulate for the Vishwa Hindi Diwas celebrations.

In a recent development, Dr Parwinder Kaur, Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA), and a distinguished figure in biotechnology, delivered an enlightening talk in Perth.

Dr Kaur shed light on the detrimental effects of plastic and plastic waste on human health and the environment. She advocated for sustainable alternatives, the eradication of single-use plastic, responsible recycling, and support for plasticfree initiatives. Carina Robb from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation accompanied her, amplifying the discourse on environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, as part of the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada at the Indian Consulate in Perth, Dr Valerie Monterio, an Indian-origin Naturopath and environmentalist, conducted an interactive session on handwashing, disease prevention, and hygiene promotion. Dr Monterio's talk underscored the importance of cleanliness and its direct impact on public health. A slideshow presentation emphasizing environmental protection, tree plantation, waste management, and recognition of exemplary initiatives in cleanliness complemented the insightful discussions, fostering a collective commitment to cleanliness and sustainability.