RKM Successfully completes 40 Weeks of Swacchata Abhiyan
Mangaluru: Ramakrishna Mission’s 40th Swacchata Abhiyan Shramadan was organized in 20 different places in the city. The Shramadan was jointly flagged off by Ranganath Bhat, Secretary, Canara High School Association and Swami Jitakamanandaji of Mangalore Ramakrishna Math on July 15, at 7.30 am at M G Road in front of Canara college.
Speaking on the occasion, Ranganath Bhat said, “Today this Abhiyan is not just a shramadan but has transformed into an inspiration to all the citizens of Mangalore city. It’s nice to see several youngsters getting motivated to volunteer their services and it’s a positive sign that the nation is changing for the better. We thank Ramakrishna Math for an opportunity given to all such volunteers who wish to dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of the society.”
Swami Jitakamanandaji said, “Indomitable zeal, dedication and genuine social concern of hundreds of volunteers are behind the success of this Abhiyan. The main focus of the Abhiyan is to instill a sense of responsibility & belongingness among the public about their surroundings and the city. This awareness will go a long way in transforming Mangalore into the cleanliest city in India.” He also thanked the volunteers. Dr Satish Rao, Prakash Salian, Prof Satheesh Bhat, Praveen Shetty, P N Bhat, Sujith Bhandary, Rajeshwari Vinayraj, Nalini Bhat, Smitha Shenoy, Shruthi Tumbri, Shilpa Rai and many other volunteers were present.
The compound walls of Canara Degree college adjoining M G road was an eyesore to all Mangaloreans due to the unauthorized posters, advertisements and banners stuck on the walls for several years. Many attempts in the past to stop this menace were not successful. Hence volunteers of the Abhiyan removed posters from 100 ft long X 7 feet high walls and cleaned them. The walls were given a whitewash. Artists of Aditattwa Arts led by Vikram Shetty and Shailesh Kotian created a trendy artwork of about 20 drawings on these walls in the last 20 days. These artworks are not only attractive but also give the message to the youth and the public on issues of social concern. The whole area has received a major facelift. Sri Ranganath Bhat inaugurated this by cutting the ribbon.
On the occasion of 40th Shramadan, cleanliness was carried out in nearly 20 spots. Several teams were formed after the flagging off and each team was allotted a spot. The main group of volunteers cleaned black spots on Jail road and C G Kamath Road and placed flower pots. Several such black spots in the city were cleaned in the past and were beautified preventing the public from littering in such places. Volunteers cleaned those spots again at Kulashekar, Padavinangady, Padil, Karngalpady Market, Bunder, Attavara Katte, Marnamikatte, V T Road, Dongarakeri Road, In front of Cascia School in Jeppu, Near Roopa Hotel in Balmatta, Opp. Attavara Centre, Near Milagres Masjid, Mulihithlu Tailory Road, Opp. Marigudi in Bolara, Babugudda, Near PVS Circle, Yeyyadi, Kuntikana, Arise Awake Park in Karangalpady, Shaktinagar Cross etc. Sri Kamalaksha Pai, Uday K P, Sowraj Mangalore, Lecturer Mehboob Khan, Sudhir Noronha, Imtiyaz Khan, Kiran Fernandes, Mohammad Shameem, Vittaldas Prabhu, Chethana Gadiyar, Shivu Puttur, Kodange Balakrishna Naik and many others actively participated.
Cleanliness drives in 20 places were followed by an informal gathering of volunteers in the Ashrama. Captain Ganesh Karnik, Mentor of the Abhiyan thanked all the volunteers. Dilraj Alva, Umanath Kotekar, Coordinators of the Abhiyan, were present on the occasion. All the volunteers were provided with a tiffin.
MRPL & Nitte Institutions are sponsoring the drives.
Swami Chidambarananda (Chief Convener)
Contact – Swami Ekagamyanandaji, Convener
Ramakrishna Mission Swacchata Abhiyan
Tel: 9448353162 for more details
