India, July 21 -- It is time we understand and redefine cleanliness. Is a glittering street in a fuel-hungry city cleaner than a dusty road in a carbon-neutral village? Can a society be clean if it runs on fossil fuels and emits heavily? These questions challenge us to look beyond the surface

When we talk about cleanliness, what usually comes to our minds are spotless homes and litter-free streets. We feel good when the floors shine and the dustbins are empty. But have we ever asked ourselves what cleanliness really means? Is it just about what's visible to the eye, or is there something far more harmful than dust or litter? Most of us equate cleanliness with what's visible: what we can see, touch, or smell. In doing so, we may be ignori...