Mangaluru: Dedication of the renovate Arise Awake Park on Sunday marked the successful completion of 20 weeks of cleanliness drive in fourth phase of Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan that Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru is carrying out with stakeholders.

J R Lobo, Mangaluru City South MLA inaugurated the park in the presence of Swami Jitakamananda, head of Ramakrishna Mission, Ganesh Karnik, MLC, Prakash Salian, corporator, and others.

Lobo said, “This park is proof to the fact that clean mind is first step towards clean environment. Ramakrishna Mission Swachhata Abhiyan has been successfully instilling the idea of cleanliness in minds of people with its cleanliness efforts,” he said while lauding the efforts of volunteers who are part of the event.

Swami Jitakamananda said, “If we can transform garbage dumping yards and neglected spots in to parks like this, it will result in cleaner and beautiful city.”

Mayor Bhaskar Moily lauded the efforts of Ramakrishna Mission in creating awareness on cleanliness among the public and assured greater cooperation and support for the swachh Mangaluru abhiyan from Mangaluru City Corporation in the days ahead. Ganesh Karnik said concerted efforts of Ramakrishna Mission has helped transform many parts of the city.

Swami Ekagamyananda welcomed the gathering and Prakash Salian thanked the gathering.

In the shramadan that mayor flagged off later, Rajanish K, former deputy mayor and dignitaries cleaned the road sides. Vittaldas Prabhu, Mukesh Alva, Souraj and Mohammad Shameem guided volunteers in cleaning the four roads.

Volunteers cleaned the road leading from the park towards Subramanya Sadan as well as the adjoining compound walls. Students cleaned the Jail road as well. Construction debris lying near the animal husbandry office was removed.