The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee flagged-off a march for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan today (October 2, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family members participated in the event. On the occasion, the President and those present released balloons in the air before the President flagged off the march as a symbol of the commitment of Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Swachh Bharat Mission.Addressing the gathering, the President said that synchronizing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan with Gandhiji’s birthday is most appropriate as he had always emphasized on adoption of cleanliness in our daily lives. Gandhiji said that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. He had stressed on the importance of a disease free and clean body. The President mentioned that Rashtrapati Bhavan was recognized for cleanliness under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan last year. It is important to maintain the high levels of cleanliness and sanitation. The President urged all present to make their individual contribution toward cleanliness and the Swachh Bharat mission.