Ramakrishna Mission's Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan March Drive Formally Launched
The March edition of the Ramakrishna Mission's Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan cleanliness drive was officially flagged off on Sunday in a ceremony that highlighted both local commitment and global perspectives. The event was inaugurated by Dr Manjaiah Shetty, the senior health officer of the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC), alongside Pranjal Ghate, an economist from the Government of Ontario, Canada.
Global Importance of Local Cleanliness Efforts Emphasized
Addressing the assembled volunteers and citizens, Pranjal Ghate underscored the worldwide significance of such grassroots initiatives. "Working with the international community, I understand the global importance of cleanliness," Ghate stated. He expressed genuine appreciation for the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the citizens of Mangaluru in sustaining this drive led by the Ramakrishna Mission. Ghate's remarks highlighted the critical connection between local action and global environmental responsibility, stressing the value of collective civic engagement.
Comprehensive Cleanliness Activities Across Key Locations
As part of the shramadan (voluntary labor) activities, multiple teams of volunteers conducted targeted cleaning operations at strategic points in the city:
- Kadri Temple Parking Area: A team of senior volunteers, including Balakrishna Bhat and others, undertook a thorough cleanliness drive. They actively engaged with parking area staff, encouraging them to ensure visitors properly utilize the available waste bins and maintain cleanliness on the premises.
- Kadri Temple Main Road: Faculty members from the Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy—Dr Purushotham Chippala, Dr Jayesh Chandran, Dr Ruchitha, Dr Hemanth, and Mr Socrate—alongside student volunteers, executed another cleaning drive. Their efforts significantly contributed to enhancing the visual appeal and hygiene of this prominent area.
Special Initiative for Respectful Recovery of Religious Waste
In a unique and culturally sensitive initiative, a dedicated batch of volunteers, including Taranath Alva, Kamalaksha Pai, and Dilraj Alva, focused on recovering religious scrap at Kadri Circle. This material included discarded photo frames and damaged idols. Recognizing the deep cultural and spiritual significance of these items, the volunteers ensured their respectful collection. According to an official release, these recovered items will be respectfully and safely disposed of through a dedicated campaign in the coming days.
Broad Support and Distinguished Presence
The cleanliness programme was organized in association with Swacch Mangaluru Prathishtana and received support from major corporations MRPL and ONGC as part of their environmental social responsibility initiatives. The event saw the presence of notable figures including former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik and Ranjan Bellarpady, the coordinator of Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan, underscoring the community-wide support for this sustained effort.
This March drive reinforces the ongoing commitment of the Ramakrishna Mission and its partners to foster a cleaner, more responsible Mangaluru, blending local volunteerism with insights from the global community.
