Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha to be reinterpreted as Swachhagraha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to connect the 100th anniversary of Champaran satyagraha with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India campaign). This initiative attempts to re-envision the theme of the Champaran Satyagraha. The event will be kick started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will launch a special digital exhibition at the National Archives in New Delhi on Monday. 

This has the potential to fuel controversy as the Congress previously had protested the pictures of the prime minister weaving cotton on Khadi advertisements.

“The digital exhibition titled, “Bapu Ko Karyanjali” will be an attempt to leverage this historic occasion to re-emphasise the spirit of cleanliness – or Swachhta – which was close to Mahatma Gandhi’s heart, and was also a key element of the Champaran movement,” said Raghvendra Singh, DG, National Archives.

April 2017 marks the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha – Mahatma Gandhi’s first satyagraha in India.

Sources told DNA that this effort will dovetail into the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, and generate greater awareness towards cleanliness in the run-up to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. Satyagraha, in this context, will therefore be re-interpreted as Swachhagraha – where an individual shall pool his efforts towards building a clean India. 

The exhibition will feature several sections. Beginning with a recall of the Champaran Satyagraha, it will feature a detailed account of the milestones and progress achieved under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Subjects such as water, hygiene and sanitation will be elaborated upon.
 
A special “Digital Engagement” section will use tools such as video walls and projection techniques to engage visitors on various related historical themes. There shall be a separate section on “Swachhagraha – the way forward.”

After inaugurating and going through the exhibition, the prime minister will host a gathering on the lawns of the National Archives. 

The facade of the National Archives building will be specially lit in the form of a digital wall said Raghvendra Singh. 

PMO sources said that the theme – "Bapu Ko Karyanjali" – is a pointer to this spirit – of a fresh resolve towards the goal of cleanliness, or Swachhta – that was so dear to Mahatma Gandhi.