ISM Patna, August 15, 2026: Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a clean, healthy and responsible India, the NSS Cell of the International School of Management (ISM), Patna, under the leadership of Vice-Chairman Shri Deval Singh, observed Cleanliness Fortnight 2026 (Swachchhata Pakhwada 2026) through a series of awareness-oriented, creative and community-engagement activities aimed at promoting cleanliness, environmental responsibility and civic consciousness among students.
The initiative commenced on August 7, 2026, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India, and Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna. Undergraduate students and NSS volunteers actively participated in the campaign, reinforcing the message that cleanliness is not merely an institutional responsibility but a shared civic duty requiring sustained individual and collective participation.
August 7: Shramdaan and Campus Cleanliness Drive
The campaign began on August 7 with a collective Shramdaan and cleanliness drive, during which NSS volunteers and students joined hands to clean different areas of the campus and its surroundings. The activity encouraged students to experience the value of voluntary service and collective action while highlighting the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic public and institutional spaces.
Through their active participation, the volunteers demonstrated that meaningful change begins with individual responsibility and that cleanliness can become a sustainable practice only when citizens willingly contribute to maintaining their surroundings.
August 10: Painting and Debate Competitions Spread the Message
On August 10, the campaign took a creative and intellectual turn with painting and debate competitions centred on cleanliness, hygiene, environmental awareness and responsible citizenship. Students used colours, illustrations, ideas and arguments to express their perspectives on the importance of a clean and healthy society.
The painting competition provided participants with a visual platform to communicate messages related to sanitation, environmental protection and civic responsibility, while the debate encouraged students to critically examine the role of individuals, institutions and communities in achieving the goals of the Swachh Bharat movement. The activities transformed students from participants into active communicators of the message of cleanliness.
August 12: Seminar and Workshop Promote Awareness and Responsible Practices
The awareness campaign continued on August 12 with a seminar and workshop on cleanliness, hygiene and environmental responsibility. The sessions sought to deepen students’ understanding of cleanliness beyond routine sanitation by connecting it with public health, environmental sustainability and responsible social behaviour.
Students were encouraged to adopt practical cleanliness habits in their everyday lives and to recognise their role as young citizens in creating awareness among their families, peer groups and communities. The programme emphasised that lasting cleanliness cannot be achieved through occasional campaigns alone but requires behavioural change and sustained commitment.
August 14: Plantation and Cleanliness Drive Links Hygiene with Environmental Care
On August 14, the NSS Cell organised a plantation-cum-cleanliness programme, bringing together the complementary goals of environmental conservation and clean surroundings. Students and NSS volunteers participated enthusiastically in plantation activities while simultaneously undertaking cleanliness work in and around the campus.
The programme highlighted the close relationship between cleanliness and environmental sustainability, encouraging students to protect green spaces, minimise waste and contribute towards creating healthier surroundings. The activity also reinforced the idea that environmental stewardship is an essential dimension of responsible citizenship.
August 15: Nukkad Natak Takes Cleanliness Message to the Community
The series of activities culminated on August 15 with a Nukkad Natak (street play) on cleanliness, using the power of performance and public communication to spread awareness about hygiene, sanitation and civic responsibility.
Through engaging performances and socially relevant messages, students highlighted everyday practices that contribute to unclean surroundings while urging people to adopt responsible habits relating to waste disposal, sanitation and public hygiene. The street play effectively communicated that the success of any cleanliness campaign ultimately depends on behavioural change and active public participation.
The five-day series of programmes under Swachchhata Pakhwada 2026 reflected ISM Patna’s commitment to combining education with social responsibility. By integrating Shramdaan, creative competitions, academic discussions, environmental action and street theatre, the initiative provided students with multiple platforms to understand, practise and communicate the values of cleanliness and responsible citizenship.
The campaign was conducted under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kumar, Director, ISM Patna; Prof. (Dr.) Sweta Rani, Academic Head; and Ms. Neeru Kumari, IQAC Coordinator, whose encouragement contributed to the successful organisation of the activities.
The programmes were coordinated by Mr. Basuki Nath Upadhyay, NSS Programme Officer, ISM Patna, with the active involvement of NSS volunteers and students. The fortnight observance reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing socially conscious young citizens who recognise that a cleaner India begins not merely with campaigns and slogans, but with responsible habits, collective action and sustained civic participation.
