**Summary of Swachhata Pakhwada 2026 at ICMR-NIV, Pune**
**Overview**
The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, a division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, observed "Swachhata Pakhwada" from April 1 to April 15, 2026. The fortnight-long initiative aimed to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental sustainability through active participation from scientists, staff, and students.
**Key Activities and Initiatives**
* **Commencement:** The event began on April 1, 2026, with the administration of the Swachhata pledge to formalize the commitment to cleanliness.
* **Cleanliness Drives:** In alignment with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the institute conducted voluntary *Shramdaan* (labor) and cleanliness drives within the campus and its surrounding areas.
* **Educational Outreach:** An awareness talk titled “Cleanliness – Spiritual Dimension of Health” was held to discuss the impact of hygiene on physical and mental well-being.
* **Public Awareness:** A walkathon was organized to highlight cleanliness as a shared responsibility for public health. Additionally, a signature campaign and a Swachhata-themed selfie point were utilized to motivate participants.
* **Sustainability Focus:** A ‘Waste-to-Art’ competition was held, emphasizing the principles of "reduce, reuse, and recycle" by encouraging the creative transformation of waste materials into useful items.
* **Conclusion:** The program concluded on April 15 with a tree plantation drive across the institute’s campuses to promote a greener environment.
**Administrative and Contact Information**
* **Post Date:** April 16, 2026, 4:05 PM
* **Release ID:** 2252610
* **Visitor Counter:** 37
* **Media Contacts:** Edgar Coelho and Priti Malandkar, PIB Mumbai
* **Digital Channels:**
* **Email:** pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
* **Social Media:** @PIBMumbai (X/Twitter), /PIBMumbai (Facebook), /pibmumbai (Instagram/YouTube)
Key Entities Referenced
ICMR-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune: The primary research institute that organized and participated in the Swachhata Pakhwada activities.
Swachhata Pakhwada: A fortnight-long initiative dedicated to cleanliness, hygiene, and awareness activities observed from April 1–15, 2026.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: The national cleanliness campaign whose spirit guided the voluntary Shramdaan and cleanliness drives at the institute.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The parent ministry responsible for the oversight of the ICMR-NIV and its public health initiatives.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
ICMR-NIV, Pune observes Swachhata Pakhwada
from April 1–15, 2026, organizing a series of
cleanliness and awareness activities
Posted On: 16 APR 2026 4:05PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, 16 April 2026
ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune (ICMR-NIV) and its units observed Swachhata Pakhwada
from 1 to 15 April 2026, with active participation from scientists, staff, and students, reaffirming its
commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental sustainability.
The fortnight commenced on 1 April 2026 with the Swachhata pledge, marking the beginning of a series
of activities aimed at spreading awareness on the importance of cleanliness and encouraging sustainable
practices.In line with the spirit of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, voluntary Shramdaan and cleanliness drives were
undertaken at the institute’s campus and surrounding areas. An awareness talk on “Cleanliness – Spiritual
Dimension of Health” was also organised, highlighting the role of cleanliness in promoting physical and
mental well-being.Further strengthening outreach efforts, ICMR-NIV organised a Swachhata Pakhwada walkathon to
promote cleanliness and hygiene as essential components of public health and a shared responsibility.
Emphasising the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, a ‘Waste-to-Art’ competition was conducted,
encouraging participants to creatively transform waste materials into useful items. This was
complemented by a signature campaign and a Swachhata-themed selfie point initiative to motivate staff
towards maintaining clean surroundings.The Pakhwada concluded with a tree plantation drive at the institute’s campuses, reflecting the collective
commitment of participants towards a greener and healthier future.
PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/ Priti Malandkar
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