Ramakrishna Mission’s Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan Continues Momentum with February Cleanliness Drive
Mangaluru: The Ramakrishna Mission’s Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan continued its dedicated efforts to enhance civic cleanliness with its monthly cleanliness drive for February, held along Kankanady Old Road. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers representing diverse segments of society, reinforcing the Abhiyan’s commitment to fostering a cleaner and more sustainable Mangaluru.
The February drive was formally inaugurated by Fr. George Jeevan Sequera, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, and Anil Kumar S. Bhoomreddi, Additional Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada. Mr. Joseph, owner of Lilia Arched, and Dr. Sheshappa Amin were also present to lend their support and encouragement to the assembled volunteers.
In his address, Fr. George Jeevan Sequera emphasized the urgent need for sustained public awareness about responsible waste management, particularly regarding plastics. “Even educated individuals often overlook fundamental responsibilities such as avoiding plastic,” he stated. “Plastic reduction is seldom practiced with the seriousness it demands. Continuous awareness campaigns targeting all societal strata are essential.” He lauded the Ramakrishna Mission for its ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about cleanliness.
Anil Kumar S. Bhoomreddi echoed these sentiments, describing “Swacch Mangaluru as a beautiful and value-based concept rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—one world, one family.” He drew a parallel between the cleanliness of one’s home and the imperative to maintain a clean city. “Just as we would not litter our own homes, we must refrain from littering our city,” he urged. Mr. Bhoomreddi further emphasized the importance of reciprocity with nature, stating, “Nature provides everything to humanity. Why should we hesitate to give back to Mother Nature?” He concluded by encouraging youth to actively engage in such vital initiatives.
The Shramadan activities were undertaken by multiple teams. Dr. Dhanesh Kumar, Principal of Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, along with Dr. Jayesh Chandran, Dr. Rakesh Krishna, Dr. Arun Varghese, Mr. Socrate, and their students, focused their efforts on cleaning the upper road connecting Father Muller’s Hospital. Their efforts resulted in the removal of substantial quantities of plastic waste, the trimming of overgrown vegetation, and the dismantling of unauthorized banners.
Concurrently, a second team comprised of senior volunteers – Uday KP, Taranath Alva, Rajivi Chandrashekara, Vasanthi Nayak, Babita Shetty, Naithik Shetty, Kamalaksha Pai, Balakrishna Bhat, Gopinath Rao, Anirudh Naik, Prof. Prakesh, Shreeharsha, and Bhavith Salian – conducted an intensive cleanliness drive on the lower road connecting Pumpwell. This team diligently removed large quantities of plastic waste, cleared fallen tree branches, and ventured into drainage lines to extract accumulated plastics. Their efforts were augmented by the enthusiastic participation of students from St. Joseph Engineering College, including Keerthan, Ranjan Likith, Vivek, Ujwal, Tarun, Theja, and Shreyas.
In addition to the general cleanliness drive, a dedicated team of senior volunteers, including Dilraj Alva, Sandeep Garodi, Prakash Garodi, Sachin Shetty, Sauraj Mangaluru, Yogish Karyatadk, Nagesh, and Padmanabha Salin, concentrated on clearing three major garbage blackspots along Kankanady Old Road. Their dedicated efforts resulted in the removal of over 1500 kilograms of waste. The team also engaged with residents of nearby apartments, encouraging them to take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings.
The Ramakrishna Mission encourages continued public participation in its monthly cleanliness drives. This initiative is organized in association with Swacch Mangaluru Prathishtana and receives support from MRPL and ONGC as part of their environmental social responsibility initiatives.
