Mohanlal accepts Modi’s invitation, vows support for Swachh Bharat

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Mohanlal has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation to be part of the Centre's Swachhata Hi Seva movement, saying he dedicates himself to the "great and noble cause."

The national award winning actor, in a Facebook post, said, "To be a responsible citizen, everyone needs to be proud of their nation first and should understand that the "country is our home and home is our identity."

The actor also wished the Prime Minister on his birthday in another post. "I support Swachhata Hi Seva movement and dedicate myself to this great and noble cause...Lets Build a New (clean) India," Mohanlal said without mentioning directly about the PMs invitation.

Stressing the need to keep the nation clean, he said, "So that each one of us live in a clean environment and our guests (the people who visit us from other countries) are happy to be with us."

The Vanaprastham actor said, "I think, no other day is better than the birth anniversary day of our Father of Nation when we should promise ourselves and our home that we will keep it clean forever and never make it dirty in future".

Lal also expressed hope that the country would light up more this Diwali than all the previous years "if we pledge to keep our home clean from this day." Modi, in a letter dated September 9, had personally invited the actor to support the ambitious campaign saying his presence would help in connecting millions to the initiative.

"As a much adored film personality, you have the power to impact peoples life positively...I personally invite you to lend your support to the Swachhata Hi Seva movement and dedicate some time for the cause of a Swachh Bharat," the Prime Minister had said.

He also said the Malayalam actor could share his experience regarding the movement with him on the Narendra Modi mobile application.

President Ram Nath Kovind had launched the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva (Cleanliness is Service) sanitation campaign in Uttar Pradesh on September 15.

The nationwide campaign is aimed at highlighting the Modi government's flagship cleanliness initiative Swachh Bharat Mission.