Ace cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Mohinder Amarnath has issued an appeal for Amritsar to maintain its cleanliness, drawing parallels to the pristine state of the holy city during his student days in the 1970s. He extended his best wishes to all individuals and organizations actively working towards this cause.
The Chenab Times has learned that Amarnath, who studied at DAV College near Hall Gate during the 1970s, fondly remembers Amritsar as a clean and orderly city. He shared his reflections on Instagram, noting that he would visit the Darbar Sahib whenever possible, where many of his prayers were answered. The Hall Gate area, a significant hub for shops, rickshaws, and devotees on their way to the shrine, was particularly memorable for its cleanliness and tidiness.
Amarnath’s most recent visit to Amritsar was in 2011, during a television program at the Attari border in connection with the World Cup hosted by India. He observed that the city, including its narrow lanes, had retained a clean and tidy appearance, leaving a positive impression. He emphasized that the city, revered as the city of the Gurus, should continue to uphold its cleanliness standards, and extended this sentiment to all cities across the country.
This appeal was made in collaboration with the social media platforms of the Vantrukh Foundation and Chalo Amritsar, two entities actively involved in promoting civic upkeep. The issue of cleanliness has been a persistent concern in Amritsar, particularly along the Hall Gate stretch, which serves as a vital access route to the Golden Temple. Residents have frequently voiced complaints regarding the accumulation of garbage, stagnant water, and the presence of stray animals in areas such as the old Sabzi Mandi, located outside Hall Gate near Bhandari Bridge. These complaints often highlight a perceived inadequacy in the response from the local civic body.
Previous reports have indicated that this particular route is heavily frequented by tourists and dignitaries making their way to prominent landmarks like the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, underscoring the importance of maintaining its cleanliness. Mohinder Amarnath, also known by his nickname Jimmy Amarnath, conveyed his sincere appreciation and best wishes to all those associated with the cleanliness campaigns and those dedicating their efforts to this civic duty.
“May the country stay clean, healthy and keep progressing,” Amarnath stated in his message, invoking a broader hope for national well-being and advancement. The cricketer’s intervention brings a prominent voice to the ongoing efforts to enhance the civic standards of Amritsar, a city of immense religious and historical significance.
The Chenab Times News Desk