Cleanliness is next to Godliness : Meaning, Explanation, Essay, Speech, Examples

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness : Meaning, Explanation, Essay, Speech, Examples

Introduction- Origin and its signification

The phrase, ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ is based on an idea found in the ancient Babylonian and Hebrew religions. But it was first quoted by John Wesley, an English American theologian, in the year of 1778 in one of his sermons. The proverb signifies the importance of a clean and healthy life and its relation to the purity of heart, mind and soul. It draws the attention to the fact that the spiritual path to heaven can only be accomplished by maintaining mental and physical cleanliness. Cleanliness leads to good health and a moral life which brings a person closer to his God.

A dirty mind and a dirty place is a home of foul thoughts and scrappy work. India is a country which takes pride in its culture and religions. The traditional believes can be traced back to old age time when it was believed that a clean arena is where goddess Lakshmi, resembling money, goddess Saraswati resembling knowledge and goddess Durga symbolizing positive energy, resides. As per the Indian culture, cleanliness is not just a practice of maintaining hygiene, but an act of humanity and a part of a tradition. It is a legacy which has been adopted by us from our ancestors and is expected by the coming generations to be taken care of.

Towards the goal of clean India

India is known for its diverse culture, scenic beauty, and varied climatic conditions. These features have led to increasing activities of travel and tourism. In this condition, what restrict travelers to invade our culture are the filthy and polluted streets and places of public importance. India is blessed with an abundance of resources but are repeatedly misused by the growing population. Due to the rapid industrialization and modernization, people are busy in making money destroying the natural resources of our nation which also have an adverse effect on the environment. As we move towards the goal of the globalization of the economy, the dream to achieve a balanced and a healthy society is vanishing day by day. India has taken efforts to create a healthy society and aware people regarding the need for a clean nation.

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Clean India drive

Launching of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was one of the major steps taken by Modi Government to eradicate unsanitary conditions from India. Clean India Drive was launched on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Rajghat by honorable Prime Minister of India in 2014 with a mission to achieve a clean, healthy and balanced society by 150th birth anniversary of Late Mahatma Gandhi Ji. It was initiated with an aim to clean 4014 statutory cities and towns all over the nation. The government nominated famous personalities to carry forward the campaign and let more and more people know about it.

Though there had been efforts taken by government but yet there is a need to launch multidimensional projects with motives of clean streets, parks and other infrastructure, construction of sewage disposal systems and toilets in rural and backward areas, correct disposal of industrial effluents, minimization of pollution through vehicles, and creation of awareness regarding importance of maintaining personal hygiene.

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Conclusion – Essay on Cleanliness

A pure heart and a clean mind are what all it needs to preach the almighty. The verses of saints and priests conclude that god thrives insanitary conditions. More importantly, it is necessary to keep our soul clean as all the cultures and religions suggest that god lies in the soul of every being. The concept of religion is nothing but an art to developing virtues of truth, responsibility, love, care, and humanity. A clean and a dirt free nation and individual can lead everyone to a path of divine serenity.