Ramakrishna Mission Swacchata Abhiyan’s 14th Shramadan of 5th phase was carried out in Jeppu area from 7.30 am to 10.30 am on 10th March. The Shramadan was jointly flagged off at 7.30 am in front of Bhagini Samaj by Rev Father Richard D’Souza & Sri Prakash S P of Srinivasa Institute of Technology. Speaking on the occasion Father Richard Dsouza said, “Its everyone’s duty to preserve nature. Each has to awaken to his responsibility of preserving nature irrespective of his caste, religion or status. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Ramakrishna Mission in leading this initiative and guiding the people. It gladdens our heart to see all the educated and enlightened citizens getting on to the streets and cleaning. This will be more effective if people are trained not to litter and discourage others from littering.” Swami Ekagamyanandaji, coordinator of the Abhiyan welcomed the gathering. Dr Satish Rao, Surendra Nayak, Nalini Bhat, Abhilash V, Bharat Sadananda, Madhuchandra Adyanthaya and many others were present on the occasion.
Shramadan: Shramadan was carried out in the surroundings of Jeppu Market area for about 3 hours. Mentor of the Abhiyan, Captain Ganesh Karnik, Father Richard and other volunteers cleaned the road in front of Bhagaini Samaj. Dirt and garbage littered in the area were removed and the spot was cleaned. Building construction debris were lying scattered in the region and about 2 tipper loads of such debris were removed using JCB & tipper. Avinash H S, Saritha Shetty & students of Srinivasa Institute of Technology volunteered in this. Another team of volunteers under Sudhir Noronha, Punith Poojari & Umakanth Suvarna cleaned the area of Jeppu fish market. Garbage strewn in that area was thoroughly removed and cleaned by washing with water. Compound walls which had become dirty were cleaned and repainted. Pots with flower plants were placed in the spot. Volunteers visited each and every shop and street vendors urging them to keep the area and their surroundings clean. Volunteers cleaned the drains adjoining Bhagini Samaj & Jeppu market. Vittaldas Prabhu & Kamalaksha Pai guided the volunteers in this. Road & footpaths from Jeppu Market towards Morgan’s Gate were cleaned as well.
Removal of flex banners: For the last few days several flex banners and hoardings had come up ruining the beauty of the city. Volunteers today have removed nearly 500 such flex banners from State Bank, Hampankatta, Mallikatte, Jyothi, Falnir, Mangaladevi Road, Balmatta, PVS and other places. Souraj Mangalore, Ravi K R, Vikhyath & other volunteers actively joined hands in this initiative.
