Mangaluru: Ramakrishna Mission Swachhata Abhiyan’s 17th week’s drive held at Kadri Bunts Hostel Road on Sunday had a special guest in Chandrakant Kulkarni from Pune. He is a retired teacher whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded for his dedication and efforts regarding Swacch Bharath.

Jagan, a physically challenged and yet mentally invincible volunteer of the Abhiyan flagged off the drive in the presence of Swami Jitakamanandaji.

Chandrakanth addressing Swachh Mangaluru volunteers said, “I am travelling all over India to witness Swachhata Abhiyan. I have participated in Swachh Mangaluru abhiyan for last 2 days.

I have never seen any other movement regarding Swachhata abhiyan as consistently and as successfully being carried in Mangaluru. I credit Ramakrishna Mission for this,” Chandrakant, who donated 1/3rd of his pension amount to Swachh Bharath fund, said.

Noting that Prime Minister honoured and recognized him for this humble deed, Chandrakanth said, this shows that India is changing for better. I have no doubt that Mangaluru will soon become one of the cleanest cities,” he said.

Kulkarni, 67, a retired teacher of drawing in Pimpri Chinchwad township near Pune, said PM made him world famous by mentioning him three times on his Mann Ki Baat radio programme and interview with Times Now channel.

All the guests and volunteers cleaned the area on Kadri Road. Volunteers were divided into five groups. One group cleaned the left side of the road from Bunts Hostel Circle to Kadri Main Road. Another group of volunteers cleaned the right side of the road.

Students of St Aloysius College cleaned the road dividers. A neglected bus shelter in front of Kadri Natural Ice Cream Parlour was cleaned and a board with Swachhata message erected on the spot to create awareness.