A cleanliness campaign was jointly organized by the St Philomena College Student Council, NCC Army and Naval Wing, National Service Scheme Units, and Eco Club on 01 October 2023. The initiative aimed to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a ‘Clean India.’ The event, inaugurated by Mr Madhu S Manohar, Commissioner of Puttur CMC, highlighted the importance of cleanliness, not only as a personal responsibility but as a means to enhance the living standards of our community. ‘Cleanliness should start from our home, keeping the environment clean is the duty of every citizen. The central government has assigned many standards for cleanliness. If all of them are followed, our city council can be ranked first not only in the state but also in the country in terms of cleanliness,’ he said further.
Prof. Ganesh Bhat K, Vice Principal of the college, presided over the event, emphasizing the ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ as a collective effort to improve our nation’s quality of life. A clean India forms the foundation for a healthy and prosperous nation. Cleanliness goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects our values, our commitment to hygiene, and mutual respect. The event also took the opportunity to honour civic workers who tirelessly maintain cleanliness in our public spaces. Professor Ganesh Bhat, Vice-Principal, recognized their selfless service on behalf of the college, highlighting their dedication even in challenging times, such as the COVID pandemic.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and Civil Labor Day, various unit coordinators and students from various units took part in a ‘jatha’ from the college to Puttur Bus Stand. The aim was to create awareness about the significance of cleanliness. Along the route, students displayed placards and slogans to convey the message effectively.
As part of the awareness initiative, the students presented a street drama at various locations, including the college campus, Darbe circle, and Puttur bus stand. The drama, directed by Mr Ramanji Udupi, Asst Prof. in the Department of Kannada, focused on the detrimental effects of plastic usage.
The culmination of the Jaatha near Puttur bus stand featured a closing program. The principalof the College Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Montero, stressed the importance of environmental cleanliness, emphasizing that it is not solely the government’s responsibility. He encouraged all citizens to view cleanliness as a personal obligation, acknowledging that even small changes in daily behaviour and attitude can make a significant impact on our environment and society.
Prapti and her team rendered prayer, and NSS Program Officer Vasudeva N extended a warm welcome. Student Welfare Officer Rajeshwari M proposed vote of thanks, while Student Welfare Officer Dr. Chandrasekhar K compered the program. The Vice-Principal of the College, Dr AP Radhakrishna, NCC officers Lt. Johnson David Siqueira and Tejaswi Bhatt, and NSS Program Officer Pushpa N were also present on the stage.
The college faculty members Dr Malini K, Dr Vijay Kumar M, Dr Norbert Mascarenhas, Bharathi S Rai, Smita Vivek, Shriraksha, and administrative staff members Anil Lasrado and Vinil, along with hundreds of students participated in this cleanliness drive.
