Mangaluru: On the occasion of the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Arpana’, a special programme organised by Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana, an initiative inspired and guided by Ramakrishna Math, was held on Friday at Rajaji Park, in front of the Town Hall, Mangaluru, to honour the sanitation workers who serve the city selflessly every day.
As the first phase of the programme, 65 women sanitation workers who are continuously engaged in the sanitation services of Mangaluru City Corporation were honoured with sarees in recognition of their dedicated service.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri Rahul Ratnam Pandey, IAS, Commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation. Speaking on the occasion, he said: “Under the guidance of Ramakrishna Math, Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana has been creating valuable awareness about cleanliness and segregation of waste at source. It is extremely important to recognise and appreciate the selfless service rendered by sanitation workers for keeping our city clean. Every citizen must not only respect their service but also extend cooperation by maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that waste is segregated at source. I congratulate Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana for organising such a meaningful programme on the important occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.”
Pujya Swami Jitakamanandaji Maharaj, President, Ramakrishna Math, said: “Sanitation work is truly a service to God. It is our collective responsibility to honour these mothers who are engaged every day in such a sacred service. It is highly commendable that the volunteers of Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana have organised ‘Arpana’ to recognise and honour the sanitation workers who dedicate their efforts towards keeping the city clean.”
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Ganesh Karnik, President, Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana, said:
“The service rendered by sanitation workers, who begin their work early every morning to keep the city clean, is directly connected with the lives of every citizen. It is our responsibility not merely to recognise their efforts but also to ensure that they receive the respect and dignity they deserve in society. As the next phase of the ‘Arpana’ programme, volunteers of Swachh Mangaluru will visit the places where sanitation workers perform their duties as well as their homes and extend their gratitude and respect.”
Shri Anand S.P., District Secretary, Dakshina Kannada District Sanitation Workers and Group-IV Employees Association, said: “This programme organised by Swachh Mangaluru has touched our hearts. The team has recognised and honoured the significant contribution of sanitation workers towards keeping Mangaluru clean. At the same time, they have extended their hands in partnership with us in the cause of maintaining the cleanliness of the city. This initiative gives us further encouragement and inspiration.”
The programme was compered by Chetan Shetty, while Dilraj Alva, Trustee, Swachh Mangaluru Prathisthana, proposed the vote of thanks. The successful conduct of the programme was supported by Kiran Giridhar, Senior Health Officer, Mangaluru City Corporation; Shri Ranjan Bellarpady, Coordinator, Swachh Mangaluru; and Sachin Shetty.
‘Arpana’ to Reach Sanitation Workers’ Homes
As the next phase of the ‘Arpana’ initiative, volunteers of Swachh Mangaluru will visit the workplaces and homes of sanitation workers during the month of October and organise programmes to honour and appreciate their dedicated service. The initiative will be carried forward by Swachh Mangaluru volunteers Kamalaksha Pai, Souraj Mangaluru, Damodar Bhat, Uday K.P., Taranath Alva, Balakrishna Bhat, Suresh Prabhu, Sunanda Shivaram, Rajeevi Chandrashekar, Satyavathi, Dr. Danesh Kumar, Bellala Gopinath Rao, Satyanarayana K.V., Murali, Prof. Babitha Shetty, Navaneeth Shetty, Pratham Poojary and Sriharsha.
إرسال تعليق