NewzVille Desk
The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, organised a Tree Plantation Drive on 01.10.2026 at the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), Vasant Kunj, New Delhi under the theme of “Ek ped Maa ke naam” on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.
The Plantation drive was led by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice. Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legislative Department and Department of Legal Affairs and Chairperson IIAC, along with senior officers / officials of the Department and IIAC participated in the event.
The Minister, Law Secretary & Chairperson IIAC, Senior officers of the Department and IIAC planted saplings on the IIAC campus.
“True cleanliness begins in the mind (Mann ki Swachhta),” says the Minister, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran experience
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that cleanliness is not limited to keeping streets and public spaces clean; it must begin with a clean mind, pure thoughts and a sense of duty towards society.
He said that ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ is a people’s movement in which every individual has a role to play. He noted that 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reminds the nation that cleanliness, discipline and service were integral to Bapu’s vision of a free and self-reliant India.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s stay in Champaran in 1917, the Meghwal highlighted how Gandhiji initiated efforts towards sanitation and hygiene, which became part of a wider mass movement and contributed to addressing the grievances of indigo farmers.
The Minister said that the lesson from Champaran remains relevant today: Swachhata is a mission of empathy and shared responsibility, and not merely a campaign.
