In a country where littering and indifference to civic cleanliness is a national malaise, Jashrit Dubey (14), a class IX student of the Gujarati-medium state board-affiliated Hiramani School, Ahmedabad, has assumed the burden of Mahatma Gandhi’s mission of maintaining clean and sanitary local environments, besides stirring fellow students into action. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step and I decided to step out alone, never mind if others were not so willing,” he says.

Starting from the bottom up, Jashrit’s campaign began in his own neighbourhood in the Chankheda area of Ahmedabad in 2010. Since then he has introduced clean-up drives in six wards of Ahmedabad, conducted workshops in 20 primary-secondary schools and mobilised a cohort of 5,500 students to spread his message. “I am well aware of the magnitude of the task I have undertaken since littering, spitting etc are regarded as natural and harmless activities. But as our cities become more populated, these activities can pose major health hazards,” says Jashrit, who drew his inspiration from a visit to Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Ashram and read about the Mahatma’s commitment to cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation.

The schoolboy’s evangelism comes from his father Virendra Dubey, a physically challenged instructor in the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Ahmedabad. Committed to vocational education and training of the physically disabled, Dubey was adjudged best employee in the state (2005), and received a special award from chief minister Narendra Modi. “I have been greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and have taken Jashrit and his friends to Sabarmati Ashram on several occasions,’’ says Dubey.

It’s not surprising that this young social activist is also a brilliant student averaging 90 percent in academics year upon year. With a long-term career goal to qualify as a physiotherapist, Jashrit is currently working on developing a website which will provide supplementary education to underprivileged children and also counsel them about health and hygiene issues. “Recycling and maintaining clean, green, safe and sanitary local environments is of utmost national importance. Healthy citizens transform into productive workers which is good for national development,’’ says Jashrit.

Evidently this young crusader knows things most grown ups don’t.

R.K. Misra (Gandhinagar)