1Mangalore: Ramakrishna Mission Swacchata Abhiyan’s 18th Shramadan of 5th phase was carried out in Kadri Mallikatta area from 7.30 am to 10.30 am on 7th April. The Shramadan was jointly flagged off at 7.30 am by Dr Shantharam Shetty, MD, Tejaswini Hospital, Mangalore & Dr K Bhaskar Shetty, MD, City Hospital, Mangalore in the divine presence of Swami Prakashanandaji, President of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashrama at Ranebennur. Speaking on the occasion, Swami Prakashanandaji said, “Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan has become a model movement today. Cleanliness is a virtue not only to be inculcated but also to be insisted on others to follow. Sister Nivedita, the foremost disciple of Swami Vivekananda initiated this movement in Kolkata a century ago. Today we appreciate the lead taken by Mangalore Ramakrishna Mission for its sustained efforts in creating awareness among the people. I congratulate all who have participated in this Abhiyan.” Dr Shantharam Shetty said, “This Abhiyan has touched the hearts of all people. By touching their minds, a sense of identity and responsibility is being sown in the public by awakening them. If each and every one feels identity that its his place and he has to keep it clean, then only a Swacch Society can be created.” Sri Pradeep Kumar Kalkur, President of Dakshina Kannada Sahitya Parishat spoke creating awareness among the assembled volunteers about voting in the ensuing election and that each and every one should exercise his right to vote. Dr Chandrashekar Kelgar, Somashekar Mundaragi, Kala Deepak, Gurudatt Shenoy, Vasanthi Nayak, Prof. Sheshappa, Mehboob were present on the occasion.
Cleanliness: Swami Ekagmaynandaji laid a blueprint about the day’s cleanliness drive. Students of Tejaswini Nursing & Physiotherapy College under the guidance of Dr Shanathram Shetty cleaned the area from Kadri Entrance towards City Hospital, and front portion of Tejaswini Hospital and nearby footpaths. IMA Doctors cleaned the area from Kadri circle to Shivabagh. Students of City Hospital Physiotherapy College under the guidance of Vittaldas Prabhu cleaned the road leading towards Kadri Temple. Volunteers of Swacch Mangaluru cleaned the surroundings of Kadri Circle. The direction boards of “Kadri Temple Road” and “Lobo Lane” were cleaned and repainted today. Suresh Shetty led a team of volunteers in visiting nearly 200 shops distributing awareness handbills.
