Defence Minister unveils Mahatma Gandhi statue in Lakshadweep

‘Centre to ban single-use plastics from July 2022’

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a six-feet tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Kavaratti on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Singh spoke of how Mahatma Gandhi’s life message was ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhav’ (no discrimination on the basis of religion). “People of Lakshadweep are following this message in its true spirit, although many tried to induce extremism, radicalism and terrorism in the isles. Being strategically located, Lakshadweep played a vital role in ensuring the maritime security of India,” he said and paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation at Mahatma Gandhi Square, where the statue was erected.

Speaking of the Centre’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan project, Mr. Singh said it was not limited to ensuring the cleanliness of land. “It includes clean-up drives of waterbodies and the sea. Everyone must take a solemn pledge to ensure cleanliness of the marine ecosystem. The Centre has decided to ban the manufacture, stocking and sale of single-use plastics from July 2022.”