Mangaluru: Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust (R), Ambanagar, Mangaluru successfully hosted the grand launch of "Awake Kudla" at St. Sebastian Community Hall, Bendoor Well, Mangaluru. The event brought together esteemed dignitaries, civic leaders and community members in support of this transformative initiative aimed at making Mangaluru a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city.
Founded in 2022, our Trust has been actively engaged in social welfare activities under the guiding principle “Our City, Our Pride – Our Environment, Our Responsibility.” Over the past three years, we have undertaken various initiatives to promote a clean and healthy urban environment. Recognizing the need for improved waste management and traffic solutions, we introduced the “Model Ward Concept” in December 2023 in coordination with Mangaluru City Corporation. This initiative has successfully addressed waste disposal and traffic congestion issues in Mangaladevi, Bolar, and Hoige Bazar wards. Encouraged by its success, we are now expanding our efforts across the city under ‘Awake Kudla’fostering community-driven urban development.
The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Swami Jitakamanandaji marking the auspicious beginning of this significant initiative. Umanath Kotekar, General Secretary of our Trust, welcomed the gathering and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of ‘Awake Kudla’.
The official unveiling of ‘Awake Kudla’ was conducted by N. Vinay Hegde, Chairman of Nitte Group of Institutionsalong with the divine presence of Swami Jitakamanandaji, President of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru. The event was presided over by Seetharam A., President of our Trustwhile Mulai Muhilan M.P., District Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
During his address, Swami Jitakamanandaji commended the dedicated efforts of the Trust in community cleanliness and environmental conservation. He described ‘Awake Kudla’ as a unique and much-needed initiative highlighting its potential to bring lasting positive change to Mangaluru. He urged citizens to come forward and contribute towards this movement emphasizing that public participation is key to the success of any civic initiative.
Mulai Muhilan M.P., District Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada also addressed the gathering assuring full support from the district administration in tackling waste management and urban planning challenges. He emphasized that waste disposal and effective urban infrastructure require joint efforts from both authorities and citizens pledging his department’s cooperation in working alongside the Trust to achieve the objectives of ‘Awake Kudla’.
In his presidential address, Seetharam A. elaborated on various welfare initiatives planned as part of ‘Awake Kudla’ particularly focusing on skill development programs, women empower mentand job-oriented training sessions. He stressed that this initiative would not only improve the city’s environment but also contribute to social and economic upliftment.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Nayana Pakkala, who expressed gratitude to all guests, supporters and volunteers. The programme was hosted by Abhishek Shetty ensuring smooth engagement with the audience.
Following the formal inauguration, a media interaction session was held where our Trust representatives discussed the objectives and expected impact of ‘Awake Kudla’ highlighting the importance of community participation in this transformative initiative.
Several eminent personalities attended the event including Dr. Satish Rao, eminent psychiatrist; Premanand Shetty, Former Mayor of Mangaluru; Kiran Kodical, Corporator; Dilraj Alva, Managing Director of MRMPL; Revathy Shyam Sundar, Former Corporatorand Satish Kumpala, BJP President, Dakshina Kannada District. Their presence and encouragement reaffirmed the widespread support for ‘Awake Kudla’ among civic leaders and policymakers.
The launch of ‘Awake Kudla’ marks a major step towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Mangaluru. Our Trust remains committed to bridging the gap between government efforts and community participation, fostering a collective approach to urban development. With continued support from citizens, civic bodies, and stakeholders ‘Awake Kudla’ aims to set a benchmark for citywide cleanliness, effective waste management and improved urban living standards.