Ranchi: BJP president Amit Shah Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's dream of cleanliness, and the drive has already begun in that direction.

The Prime Minister believes that without the participation of the people, cleanliness could not be achieved through government programmes, and Modi has made cleanliness drive into a jan andolan (people's movement), the impact of which can be seen, a press release said, quoting Shah.

File image of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. PTI

Shah was addressing a gathering after the inauguration of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Centenary celebrations, and laying the foundation stone for renovation of a pond at Argora maidan, the release said.

He described as a good initiative, the inclusion of 'Swachchta' in the curriculum from Class 1 to Class 5, saying this would help children become aware of cleanliness from childhood. The Rajya Sabha member said that Sunday is the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has devoted his life to the service of the country.

The people across the country are observing his birthday as 'Seva Divas', Shah said, adding, during the Modi regime, development of the poor is gaining ground.

Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das said the state is overwhelmingly participating in the cleanliness drive, which not only keeps away diseases but also raises the standard of living. Das said, on one hand today is Viswakarma Puja and on the other, it is the birthday of the 'architect' of new India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jharkhand wishes him a long life so that he can serve the country in future, too, Das said. Earlier, Shah and Das participated in the cleanliness drive and planted saplings.