By Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Feb 8: Dr Satish Nayak Alambi, a professor at Melaka Manipal Medical College, along with his family, has set an inspiring example of community involvement and environmental stewardship by leading a successful waste management initiative in their village, 80th Badagubettu, Udupi.
Every Sunday and on holidays, Dr Satish Nayak, his wife Sowmya K V (an assistant professor at MIT), their daughter Samiksha, and nephews Ankit and Amit dedicate their time to cleaning roadsides and managing waste. The initiative began when the family noticed the alarming issue of people dumping waste into the river from Alambi Bridge. Their efforts have since gained widespread attention on social media.
As a result of their work, waste dumping in the area has significantly decreased. In response, the local administration has introduced a ?50 monthly waste collection fee and a Rs 1,000 fine for littering. Additionally, individuals who report violations with photographic or video evidence are rewarded with Rs 500.
Dr Satish Nayak, who has received prestigious accolades for his academic achievements, including the Merit Award from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), is also widely recognized for his contributions to environmental causes. In 2018, he published 19 research papers in leading international journals and developed outstanding teaching materials, further cementing his status as an exemplary educator.
His commitment to sustainability extends beyond academia. On national holidays, such as India's 70th Independence Day, he visited 70 households to raise awareness about cleanliness. He has also contributed to major social causes, including clean water initiatives, for which he won the Water Heroes of India competition.
In addition to his academic and social service work, Dr Satish Nayak has made significant contributions to the traditional performing art of Yakshagana. Trained under renowned gurus, he has performed key roles such as Vrishasena, Rama, Arjuna, and Kamsa, captivating audiences with his powerful performances. He has also set world records for cultivating the tallest sweet potato plant, reaching heights of 65–70 feet, earning recognition in both the Limca Book of Records and the India Book of Records.
Dr Satish Nayak shared, "Since my childhood, I have been passionate about Swachh Bharat. I began cleaning my village on my own, and over time, my family joined me. We collect and separate wet and dry waste, which we then hand over to the panchayat. To raise awareness about cleanliness, we organize campaigns during national festivals. My interest in Yakshagana also runs deep, and recently, my family and I performed a Yakshagana together. We have also participated in cleanliness drives at the beach and at Salumarada Thimmakka, in addition to our village. Everyone should separate their waste and hand it over to the Panchayat for proper disposal. Please avoid littering. If we want to clean the nation, we must first clean our surroundings. Remember, you are responsible for your waste."