Page 141 - SocialHarmony

On the Path of Mahatma Gandhi’s Teachings 145

working together as officers in the same office, earning the same
salary, and thus there would be equality. However, this does
not guarantee harmony. Financial equality can be developed,
but to bring about equality in lifestyle, one must develop high
thinking. Harmony can be cultivated by high thinking only.
Mahatma Gandhi had tried to inculcate this. Our State
Government is trying to develop high thinking by the principle
of harmony. People who, on one hand, talk about, “Aham
bhrahmasmi” cannot utter sentences like “You cannot enter my
home” or, “You should sit there only”. Our State Government
has started a multi-pronged campaign to complete the task
started by Mahatma Gandhi. I have complete faith that this
mission of cleanliness and harmony will be a great supplement
to knowledge. I do not claim that State Government does
everything; it is our humble effort to work together. That is why
I often say development needs participation. All your complaints
would get resolved from time-to-time. The situation will not
change by preaching from a corner, all of us must do something
together.

The State Government is working with the slogan, “Clean
and Harmonious Gujarat”. We have decided to participate in
the pain of the sweepers and cleaners who are working hard to
keep Gujarat clean. You will be surprised to know that even
with increasing life expectancy, the average age of a sanitation
worker is only fifty. All of us have to take responsibility for the
health of sanitation workers of municipalities. As a part of this
responsibility and as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the State
Government has decided to provide life insurance of ` 1,00,000
to fifty thousand sanitation workers so that in case of their death
or physical defect, their families will not be rendered helpless.