Swachhta Abhiyan at Ghantaghar, Jodhpur: A Mission to Clean, Preserve, and Inspire
Jodhpur, the Blue City is a land of timeless beauty. Every alleyway, every stepwell, and every monument hold stories of the past, whispering the legacy of a glorious era. But as time passes, these historic treasures face an undeniable challenge—neglect, pollution and fading grandeur.
On the crisp early morning of Republic Day 2025, before the city awakened to its usual bustle, a group of dedicated individuals took a stand—not just to clean but to protect the soul of Jodhpur. Under the guidance of Dr. Illa Sharma, the Ayudhi Care Foundation led a Swachhta Abhiyan (Cleanliness Drive) at Ghantaghar, Jodhpur, in collaboration with Robin Hood Army, NCC cadets, and Novotel Hotel, which sponsored the cleaning kits.
With the rising sun casting its golden hue over the historic Ghantaghar, volunteers, young and old, gathered with a shared purpose. This wasn’t just about cleaning the streets—it was about rekindling love and responsibility for our heritage.
A Walk-Through History: The Route of Change
The Swachhta Abhiyan was designed to cover some of Jodhpur’s most iconic and culturally significant locations.
- Ghantaghar (Clock Tower): As the heart of Jodhpur’s old
city, the Clock Tower is not just a landmark but a symbol of heritage and commerce. Volunteers started their mission here, sweeping the area, removing litter and engaging with local vendors to promote cleanliness awareness.
- Toorji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell): As the group marched forward, the focus shifted to this breathtaking stepwell, once a pristine water conservation marvel. Over time, it had suffered from garbage accumulation. Volunteers painstakingly cleared debris from the steps and surrounding areas, restoring its dignity.
- Gulab Sagar: The final stop was this historic water reservoir, crucial to Jodhpur’s past and present. Like many ancient water bodies, it had become polluted due to careless waste disposal. Volunteers worked hard to clean the banks and raise awareness among passersby.
After completing the route, the team returned to Ghantaghar, their hands covered in dust, but their hearts filled with pride and determination.
Why This Initiative Matters: The Emotional and Cultural Impact
This was more than just a cleaning drive—it was a message of responsibility and love for one’s roots.
Imagine the history that Ghantaghar has witnessed—the tradesmen calling out their wares, the footsteps of travelers and royalty, the celebrations, the struggles. Imagine the architectural brilliance of Toorji Ka Jhalra, built with intricate designs and scientific precision to conserve water. Imagine
Gulab Sagar, once a life giving wellaspring, now choked with the weight of neglect and waste.
Now, imagine all of it lost—not to war, not to time but to apathy.
Heritage is not just stone and mortar—it is our identity. It is the bridge between the past and the future. But if we fail to protect it today, our children will inherit ruins, not history.
This initiative by Ayudhi Care Foundation was a powerful reminder that preserving our heritage is a collective duty. Every piece of trash removed, every conversation held with a shopkeeper about cleanliness, and every step taken toward conservation brings us closer to saving the essence of Jodhpur.
The Power of Collective Action: Volunteers Leading the Way
The event’s success was due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers.
- Robin Hood Army, known for its impactful social initiatives, played a crucial role.
- NCC cadets, with their discipline and energy, embodied the spirit of national service.
- Local citizens, motivated by a shared love for Jodhpur, joined in, proving that real change begins at the grassroots level.
Novotel Hotel contributed by providing cleaning kits, showing how businesses can engage in social responsibility and set an example for others.
Dr. Illa Sharma, the founder of Ayudhi Care Foundation, expressed deep gratitude to the participants. She shared an
emotional message:
"This city is our home, and our heritage is our pride. If we don’t take care of it, who will? Today’s efforts should not end with this event—they should become a habit, a way of life."
Her words resonated with the volunteers, reinforcing the idea that Swachhta is not an event; it is a responsibility.
Beyond the Event: Spreading Awareness and Taking the Pledge
While the cleaning drive physically transformed the spaces, its real impact lay in the awareness it created. Volunteers took the time to engage with shopkeepers, tourists, and residents, spreading key messages:
- Dispose of waste properly—use dustbins and segregate trash.
- Do not deface monuments—every scribble on a historic wall is an insult to our heritage.
- Adopt sustainable tourism practices—respect local culture and natural surroundings.
Ayudhi Care Foundation also announced plans to expand this initiative, ensuring that cleanliness and heritage preservation become a citywide movement.
A Call to Action: What Can You Do?
The biggest lesson from this event is that everyone can make a difference.
Here’s how you can contribute:
- Adopt a heritage site – Choose a local landmark and commit to keeping it clean.
- Educate your community – Awareness is the first step
toward change. Talk about the importance of preservation.
- Be a responsible tourist – Respect heritage sites, follow guidelines, and encourage others to do the same.
- Join local initiatives – Support or volunteer for organizations working toward cleanliness and conservation.
- Hold authorities accountable – Report neglect or mismanagement of public spaces.
A cleaner, prouder, and more responsible Jodhpur is not just a dream—it is a choice that we must make every day.
Conclusion: The Beginning of a Movement
As the early morning sunbathed Ghantaghar in golden light, the volunteers stood with a sense of fulfillment. They had not just cleaned a few streets; they had set an example. They had not just removed litter; they had revived a sense of civic pride.
This Swachhta Abhiyan was more than an event—it was the beginning of a movement, a movement to protect, respect, and cherish the treasures we have inherited.
Jodhpur is not just ours—it belongs to those who came before us and those who will come after us. Will we be the generation that let it fade, or will we be the ones who fought to keep its beauty alive?
So, the next time you walk past Ghantaghar, Toorji Ka Jhalra, or Gulab Sagar, stop and ask yourself:
What am I doing to make a difference?
Because the answer is simple: Start today. Start now. Start with yourself.
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