Cleanliness is simply understood as a state of being free of dirt. Cleanliness is indeed an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping clean not only makes the environment more comfortable, orderly and uplifting but also is a necessity to prevent medical discomfort or illnesses.

But from a more moral perspective, does only physical cleanliness matter? Men have been talking about thecleanliness of mind, body and soul, to be practised, since time immemorial. As is evident from the old saying, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". Thus cleanliness and detoxification of the mind and soul are also important. No one can deny the role of a morally spirited, justice loving and a peaceful mind in affecting the overall aura around a person.

Thus purity of mind is the most important component of cleanliness, rather it is the soul of the concept. So when we dream of a truly clean nation, we should not only focus on thephysicalcleanliness of the environment, but also on mental makeup of the citizens, their intentions, aspirations and sensitivities.

In the current scenario, some people are trying to impose restrictions on others, which are totally uncalled for. Just because something does not fit their understanding and narrow mind-sets, they go about making provocative statements or even getting involved in violence. Should someone else tell us what to eat, what to wear and what not to? Shouldn’t such people first clean their narrow mind-sets before picking up brooms to clean the streets for a day, just to get attention?

Why all of a sudden, there have been news about Intolerance, when India have always been an exquisite example of cultural harmony, as suggested by our traditional phrase: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"?

Shouldn't the deliberate attempts to disturb harmony by evoking extreme emotions and misleading people to turn hostile and violent, in the name of religious and cultural sentiments emerging as the biggest stains on our democracy, be cleansed first?

The country could only be cleaned by a clear stream of rational, secular and corruption-free minds and not by the bloodstains of innocent people.

We feel that making the people more aware, responsible and hopeful is a long term and effective solution because motivated people themselves take initiatives to keep their environment clean and cosy.

But for creating a self-motivated squad of citizens requires a clear leadership which itself is clean, clear and committed to bringing a positive change.

By clear and clean leadership, we mean:

1. One which has a clear vision for a progressive future.
2. One with clean and pious intentions to use one's powers, authority and resources for the betterment of the nation, as a whole, and not just for the upliftment and benefits of oneself or a particular favourite group of people.
3. One with a clear and hassle free thinking and rational decision-making abilities.

A clean leadership would be one that is intolerant to the menace of corruption. The most burning need of the nation is the cleaning up of corruption that has penetrated like a tough stain over the progress of the nation.

Thus a clean nation, in its complete sense could be achieved if the leadership is accountable and has a strong will to motivate citizens to participate with it; to work for making the society more responsible institution which is intolerant to crimes and is based on a strong foundation of deep-rooted moral and ethical principles.

Wouldn't you love a kind of cleanliness that endears a zeal to create an amazing synergy amongst all communities?

Come let's discuss and think over it