Mangaluru: The inaugural programme of “Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan” was held on Sunday, 5 November at the Ramakrishna Math mini hall, where volunteers of the Swacch Campaign namely students of Sahyadri College, Srinivas College, members of Ramakrishna Mission, Nivedita Balaga, Sharada Mahila Mandala and others participated.

The programme began with prayer chanting by Brahmacharis of the Math, followed by welcome address by M R Vasudev Rao, the convener of the campaign. Capt Ganesh Karnik gave a brief description of the Swacch Campaign, followed by an address by Swami Jitakamanandaji -the Secretary of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru where he said, ” As our main intention is to create awareness among the masses about cleanliness, and we want to involve more and more public in the drives by forming different group of volunteers participating in the drives in different parts of the City. We have already reached our 4th Phase of Swacchata Abhiyana and I wish to thank all the volunteers and well-wishers and patrons for their unstinted support. Today being the First Sunday of the nearly 35-40 Sundays left during the Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan, I invite all the interested persons, who feel in their small action lies in the future of our great nation, to come forward and join this mighty cause”.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by chief guest Swami Muktidanandaji, Trustee of Ramakrishna Math & Mission Head Quarters in Howrah, West Bengal; along with other guests of honor namely- Swami Sarvasthanandaji, the President of Vedanta Sangha/Institute-London; Swami Jitakamananda -the Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru; Prasad-Group General Manager, MRPL, Mangaluru; Capt. Ganesh Karnik- Coordinator; MR Vasudev Rao-Convener among others. In his inaugural address Swami Muktidanandaji said ”This Ashram has been progressing and reaching greater heights under the leadership and guidance of Swami Jitakamanandaji, and we should all commend them for their efforts and hard work in promoting this Cleanliness Campaign. Our home, our surrounding, our streets, our City- we should all think and try to keep it clean because next to Godliness is cleanliness. It’s nice to see all you youngsters, adults and seniors have come forward with dedication and commitment to a part of this Swachhata Abhiyan.”

Swami Sarvasthanandaji also speaking said, “Why only Ramakrishna Mission? Cleaning the nation is not a day’s job. Neither can this be achieved by just govt. agencies. It demands participation from each and every responsible citizen. Ramakrishna Mission has always stood in the forefront in the service of the society. They seize this opportunity to serve the nation through leading from the front by taking up this cleanliness drive. Coupled with their concern is the special request from Govt. of India. Ramakrishna Mission which has taken up this initiative for a clean Mangaluru City need to be complimented, and their last three phases of this Campaign have made big achievements and accomplished their goals. I wish this 4th Phase of the Abhiyan all success”.

Sri B H V Prasad of MRPL in his speech said that his company is proud to be associated with Ramakrishna Mission for the last two-plus years, and will continue to support this cleanliness campaign in future also. The vote of thanks was delivered by Swami Ekagamanandaji, coordinator of Ramakrishna Mission Abhiyan.