Bareilly: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, organised a pledge-taking and lamp-lighting ceremony on September 17 to mark the launch of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Abhiyan 2026. This year’s theme is “Participation in Cleanliness, Clean India, Developed India.”
More than 180 scientists, officers, employees and students of the institute participated in the programme held at the Central Auditorium. Dr. S.K. Singh, Joint Director (Research), administered the cleanliness pledge and urged participants to actively engage in cleanliness-related activities and contribute to building a clean, healthy and developed India. Students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) also participated enthusiastically.
As part of the initiative, staff members, students and farmers associated with the Joint Directorate of Extension Education (JDEE) and ICAR-IVRI Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) also took the cleanliness pledge. Around 85 staff members and students participated and pledged to keep their surroundings clean and healthy while spreading awareness about responsible cleanliness practices among colleagues, students, farmers and the wider community.
Lamp-lighting ceremonies were also held at the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) and KVK. The ceremony symbolised a collective commitment to cleanliness, environmental protection, responsible waste management and positive action.
The programme was organised by Dr. S.K. Singh, Joint Director (Research); Dr. Rupsi Tiwari, Joint Director (Extension Education); and Dr. Sohini Dey, Joint Director (CADRAD).
Dr. S.K. Saha, Principal Scientist, Animal Nutrition Division, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the scientists, officers, employees, students and farmers who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
The event marked the beginning of various activities to be conducted under SHS Abhiyan 2026 at ICAR-IVRI, with emphasis on public participation, cleanliness, healthy surroundings, responsible waste management and awareness-building. The active participation of scientists, employees, students and farmers reflected the institute’s commitment to the broader vision of “Clean India, Developed India.”
From Bareilly: Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
