Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 2 (ANI): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the Swacchta Abhiyan program held at Garden Reach in West Bengal's Kolkata on Wednesday.

Vaishnaw also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar was also present.

Also Read | Rajinikanth Hospitalised: PM Narendra Modi Calls Latha Rajinikanth to Enquire About Superstar's Health Post-Surgery.

On the occasion, Vaishnaw also visited Hyderi Manzil, also known as Gandhi Bhavan, located in the Beliaghata neighborhood. It holds historical significance as it is the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during a critical period of India's independence in August 1947.

Speaking to reporters on occasion, Vaishnaw extended his wishes to the people on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, further adding that it was also the beginning of 'Devi Paksha'.

Also Read | Israel-Iran Conflict: MEA Issues Advisory Amid Growing Tensions in Middle East, Advises Indians To Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Iran.

"Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and also the beginning of 'Devi Paksha'. 'Swacchta Abhiyan' is being celebrated across the country, so we need to ensure that cleanliness is maintained everywhere," Vaishnaw said.

Vaishnaw also visited the plant of Braithwaite & Co. Ltd. in Kolkata, an Indian public sector undertaking engaged in the manufacture of railway wagons and other products. Vaishnaw said that the company has suffered losses for a long time but has revived systematically.

"Braithwaite is a very famous company that has suffered losses for a very long time. Over the past 10 years, the company has revived systematically. New technologies, manufacturing capabilities were introduced and developed, which is a good example of the revival of a PSU company. Last year, the company's revenue was Rs 1,100 crore, and this year the revenue will be Rs 1,400 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revived the company very well, and today I have come here for the inspection of the plant and to plan the Swacchata initiative here," Vaishnaw said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 10 years of the 'Swacchata Hi Seva" campaign, participated in a cleanliness drive with schoolchildren. He said that the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is the world's biggest and most successful movement in this century, which will be remembered by the people even after many years.

The Prime Minister said that the Swachh Bharat Mission has reflected the energy of the people through the demonstration of public participation and public leadership.

"The Swachh Bharat Mission is a symbol of the selfless commitment of crores of Indians, and in the last 10 years, crores of Indians have adopted this mission and made it a part of their lives," PM Modi said while speaking at the event. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)