Mangaluru: The pandemic has challenged society in more ways than one. Many have risen to the occasion and become heroes, while others have succumbed to fear and worry. Governance and social institutions and the people employed by them have had to step up their game to serve society during these challenging times. it has not been easy. The City Corporations, cleaning staff, the Pourakarmikas are such sections of society that worked through the lockdown and thereafter to keep the city clean, risking their own health in the process. But on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), paid tribute to their hard work. They honored 23 Pourakarmikas for their extraordinary service during the pandemic on ‘Pourakarmika Day’ during a program held at the Town Hall.
Inaugurating the program, Mayor Diwakar Pandeshwar was upbeat and forthright in his appreciation of their hard work. “I offer my sincere thanks to them for their services during the pandemic as they risked their lives for others. We wanted to honor them on Independence Day, but we weren’t able to do so due to unforeseen circumstances. I am happy that we are able to put that right today,” he said. He promised to look into upgrading their facilities and said it would be discussed at the next Council meet.
MCC Commissioner Akshay Sridhar also spoke on the occasion. He was of the opinion that every day should be observed as ‘Pourakarmika Day’ for the 24×7 work they put into keeping our city clean. He said they are the “real patriots of our nation”. He too promised to examine how their facilities can be upgraded. MCC Health Committee chairman Poornima and president of the Pourakarmika’s Association Anil Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
23 Pourakarmikas were felicitated by the dignitaries on the dais on the occasion. Retired civic workers were also honored during the program. There are a total of 206 pourakarmikas in the MCC and 591 working at Antony Waste Handling Co.
Kannada and Tulu songs by brother and sister duo Prashanth and Pavithra, the children of Appi, who is an attender in the MCC’s health section added colour and entertainment to the program.
Er Shabrinath, the MCC Environment Engineer delivered the welcome address. The vote of thanks was delivered by MCC Senior Health Inspector Shivalingha Kondugoli and the program was compered by MCC Environment Engineer Er Madhu Manohar.
Deputy Mayor Vedavathi, MCC Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Dr Santhosh Kumar, MCC Health Officer Dr Manjayya Shetty, Opposition leader of the MCC Council Abdul Rauf, and other corporators were also present.
