Mangaluru: The 11th Shramadan of the 5th phase of Ramakrishna Mission ‘Swacchata Abhiyan’ was carried out in the Service Bus Stand near State Bank and surrounding areas from 7.30 AM to 11.30 AM on Sunday, February 17.
The Shramadan was jointly flagged off by environmentalist Dinesh Holla and MCC Health inspector Bharath Kumar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh Holla said, “For the past few years ‘Swacchata Abhiyan’ guided by the monks of Ramakrishna Mission has brought a positive change in the mindset of the people. Inspired by this, Sahyadri Sanchaya has initiated ‘Swacchata Abhiyan’ in the Western Ghats too. A clean mind is the first step towards cleaner surroundings. If everyone feels that this environment belongs to him and he has to preserve it, we can see cleanliness everywhere.”
Captain Ganesh Karnik, mentor of the Abhiyan welcomed the gathering. Flagging off was preceded by offering silent prayer as a mark of respect to the martyred soldiers in Pulwama. Subhadra Bhat, Saritha Shetty, Vasanthi Nayak, Yashoda Rai, Rajeshwari, Dr Subhashchandra Rai and other volunteers were present.
Swami Ekagamyanandaji led the group of volunteers in cleaning the bus stand by sweeping with broom. Volunteers picked up the trash littered and cleaned. Heaps of garbage were removed and plants were planted in pots. Students of Nitte Physiotherapy College and Nivedita Balaga joined hands.
Walls were painted with several artworks related to the culture of Tulunadu, like Yakshagana, Daivaradhane, Kambala, Koli Anka, Huli Kunita etc.
