Swacchata Abhiyan by Ramakrishna Mission a Role Model for the Nation – BB fame Pratham
Mangaluru: 10th cleanliness drive of the Ramakrishna Mission Swacchata Abhiyan was held on January 7, in front of War memorial at Kadri. It was flagged off by Dr Jeevaraj Sorake, MD of SCS Hospital and Pratham of Big Boss fame in the divine presence of Swami Jitakamanandaji of Ramakrishna Math.
Addressing the volunteers on the occasion, Pratham said, “Swacchata Abhiyan carried out by Ramakrishna Mission is a role model for the entire nation. This should expand to the whole of Karnataka. I am thrilled to know that simultaneously Ramakrishna Mission is carrying on Swacch Manas awareness programme too among the students & children. I am seeing PM’s vision being realized here. I am proud to be part of the Abhiyan.” Dr Jeevaraj Sorake said, “I appreciate the consistent painstaking efforts of the Ramakrishna Mission in carrying on this Swacchata Abhiyan for the last three and a half years.” Captain Ganesh Karnik, mentor of Swacchata Abhiyan too addressed the gathering and reminisced about the history of the Abhiyan and explained the activities under the fourth phase. Swami Ekagamyanandaji welcomed the gathering and delivered the vote of thanks.
Cleanliness Drive: After the formal function, monks and volunteers took up the cleanliness drive with brooms and baskets. Pratham, along with the monks swept the Kadri Park road and removed bottles and dirt lying in the area. About 150 volunteers were divided into 4 groups. Sheshappa Amin guided about 30 volunteers and cleaned the circle in front of Circuit House. Uday K P and Kamalaksha Pai led the team of volunteers from St Aloysius College in cleaning the area around the bus shelter by removing the overgrown grass and weeds. Vivekananda Shenoy and other young volunteers cleaned the rooftop of the bus shelter. Mohammed Shameem and Masa Hiro led other senior volunteers in cleaning the road dividers off the weeds and grass. M R Vasudev led the group of volunteers in visiting homes from door to door in the area distributing handbills on awareness.
Specialty: Jagan and Chandrashekar actively participated in the drive ignoring their disabilities. Jagan helped in carrying the garbage accumulated loading in his three-wheeler. A small child busy helping the volunteers by picking the dirt all through the drive for 2 hours was a sight to see.
Continued Work: Efforts were on to remove the garbage piling up in the area near Karnaglpady area. Volunteers visited shops and homes requesting them not to throw garbage in the area and to keep the area clean which had proved effective. Presently with the help of expert masons, the walls are repaired and awareness painting and writings are adorning the walls. Flower plants are also being kept. Last week railings were installed in the Karnaglpady area which were extended this time and the old railings were painted. Old barricades were removed and the area was thoroughly cleaned. Dilraj Alva guided the volunteers in cleaning work.
Vittaldas Prabhu, Kishor Kumar Puttur, Sujith Pratap, Akshith Attavar, Souraj Mangalore, Mehboob and many others actively participated in the drive. All the volunteers were provided tiffin by the Ashrama in the Kadri Police station. MRPL is sponsoring this drive.
Swami Chidambarananda (Chief Convener)
Contact – Swami Ekagamyanandaji (Convener)
Ramakrishna Mission Swacchata Abhiyan
Tel: 9448353162 for more details