Namma Mangaluru, Namma Future! Idea Conclave for ‘Better Mangaluru’ at St Aloysius College
Mangaluru : This is a humble beginning with a noble initiative concerning Namma Mangaluru. Students For Development (SFD) based in Bengaluru, in association with National Service Scheme (NSS) of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous)-Mangaluru organized “Idea Conclave for Better Mangaluru”on 5th Sept 2019 at Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block of the College.
Idea conclave for Better Mangaluru Concept: – Namma Mangaluru, the dream destination for many across globe who come with a dream and live in a reality of their own liking, Mangaluru considered as the engine of economic growth and Education Hub, and it is the second major city in Karnataka state in all aspects after the capital city, Bengaluru. It is the only city in Karnataka to have all modes of transport — Air, Road, Rail and Sea along with 5 other major cities in India. It is also known as the Gateway of Karnataka, it is also the space of shared social, cultural and economic experiences for ages, Mangaluru is significantly known for its calmness, greenery, beautiful people, culture and development. It is often said that people who have come to Mangaluru often gets too attached and absorbs to the city.
Branded as, however the current trends of rapid urbanization have exerted pressure on resources and infrastructure which have impact on living conditions and quality of life for inhabitants which is a serious threat of city fading its glory and the aura of Mangaluru. Mangaloreans need to recognize that this rapid, often unplanned urbanization brings risks of profound social instability, risks of critical infrastructure, potential water crises and the potential for devastating spread of diseases. In a rapidly urbanizing world, how can we design and get back green Mangaluru of the future, which will play a critical role in protecting the global commons, the planets finite environmental resources that have provided for the stable conditions enjoyed by humanity for thousands of years. Achieving sustainability in urban development covers all actions that lead to a more efficient management of land and resources, improved mobility, economic dynamism, higher environmental quality, safety, security, access to urban services and social cohesion.
The programme began with a brief key-note address by Prem S- National Convener of SFD, Bengaluru, where he said, “Mangaloreans need to recognize that this rapid, often unplanned urbanization brings risks of profound social instability, risks of critical infrastructure, potential water crises and the potential for devastating spread of diseases. In a rapidly urbanizing world, how can we design and get back green Mangaluru of the future, which will play a critical role in protecting the global commons, the planets finite environmental resources that have provided for the stable conditions enjoyed by humanity for thousands of years. Achieving sustainability in urban development covers all actions that lead to a more efficient management of land and resources, improved mobility, economic dynamism, higher environmental quality, safety, security, access to urban services and social cohesion”.
Prem further added, “The ICBM 2019 will be a thought-provoking process for the sustainable Mangaluru transformation process. By sharing research findings, experiences and success stories from scientists, academicians, policy decision makers, development managers, Environment activist, public intellectuals, NGOs, RWAs, Media, youths and Students etc., the conclave is expected to further research and policy needs for sustainability, it will also suggest action programs to trap the potentials of urbanization and to address the issues and challenges. The Conclave serves to be an interactive platform to encounter ideas that are innovative and need of the hour”. .
The Conclave theme was – Swacch Bharat- Swacch Mangaluru- Swacch Campus, and the highlights of the Conclave was Mangaluru City – Challenges and potentials for sustainable development; Vision for Smart City with Smart Citizen; Role of Youth/ NGOs/RWAs in Sustainable transformation; Sustainable development; Environmental pollution and Management (Soil, Water, Air and Noise); Solid, liquid and E-waste management; Biodiversity Conservation and Climate change; Policy Reforms and Governance for sustainable development; Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Recycle strategies for implementations; and Coastal Security and Sustainable Development
Mohammed Nazir, Commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation inaugurated the Conclave along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Krishnaprasad Madthila, Director, CAMPCO, Mangaluru, Prem S., National Convenor, Students for Development Team, Bengaluru , Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of the College, and Alwyn D’souza-Convener and professor in Political Science. In his inaugural address chief guest Mohammed Nazir while complimenting SFD and NSS of St Aloysius College for organizing this unique programme said, “Mangaluru being a education hub, students need to involve themselves in bringing awareness in the City regarding green environment. MCC has conducted various projects in this respect, but much more has to be done, for which the help of youth/students is very much required”.
“Yes there are few few civic issues in the City-First of all, is the Garbage, and residents are not cooperating in this respect; also decades old manholes, since most of these UGD’s were built in the 70’s; also the use of plastic, but MCC has started to crackdown on illegal use of plastics, and heavy fines will be slapped on the violators. Youth should be a role model in bringing awareness about cleanliness and green environment in Mangaluru. Together we can a make a difference” added Nazir. Krishnaprasad Madthila also spoke and encouraged the students to take as many initiatives to make Mangaluru a green and clean city.
Also speaking on the occasion, Fr Praveen Martis SJ said, “Feel proud to say that its indeed a good initiative by St Aloysius NSS unit to organize this Conclave, which is the need of the hour. Everything begins from the youth since they are young, and are the future leaders of the nation, and they can make a difference. Youth can take greater responsibility and make a change. Today is a wonderful day, so take a pledge on this concept for a Better Mangaluru. Come forward with your ideas to make our City Better and Cleaner”.
During the programme, there was a talks on “Namma Mangaluru! Namma Future!” by Dr Denis Fernandes- Associate Professor in dept. of History at St Aloysius College; Dr Yogendra- Water Resource Researcher, and faculty at Malnad Engineering College-Hassan; and Ramprasad- Technical Adviser for SFD. Besides this, there was an interactive session with stakeholders from different organizations and Panel Discussion with stakeholders from different colleges. At the end, there was a presentation by Future Decision Makers: Youth/Students.
Alwyn D’souza welcomed the gathering, Miss Rosna Reji, II B.Com. compered the programme, and Tushar from SDM Law College/ICBM proposed the vote of thanks .The talk and interaction session was compered by Miss K Samiksha Hegde of SDM Law College, Mangaluru. The chief guest for the Valedictory Session was MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty, and guest of honour- Smt Vinutha Rai- Coordinator, NSS-Mangalore University, and Jithin Kattilkody- Convener, ICBM 2019 presided over the function.