Meryick Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangalore (SH)
Mangalore, Nov 2: In massive efforts of cleanliness drive, Dr Aloysius Paul D’ Souza, Bishop of Mangalore inaugurated a campaign named as Nanna Kasa-Nanna Javabdhari (My waste-My responsibility) putting the wrapper of a sweet into his cassock pocket after he ate the sweet, on Saturday November 1 at Father Muller circle in Mangalore.
The audience and volunteers descended to the place and emulated the Bishop. They also put the wrappers into their pockets to convey a message that they were also part of the cleanliness drive.
The campaign that was kicked off at Father Muller circle was observed in as many as 114 places in the diocese simultaneously.
It should be noted that around 350 students of Father Muller’s college participated in cleaning drive, with picking wastes strewn from Muller circle to Morgan gate.
On the occasion, Mayor Mangalore Mahabala Marla read out the oath to the gathering, in which the participants vowed to take responsibility of the waste.
Marla in his address praised the citizens of Mangalore for showing special concern on waste management. He announced that due to continuous efforts by concerned people, Mangalore city ranked at six among cleanest cities in Karnataka.
“I request the people of Mangalore to join hands with the ongoing cleanliness campaign across the nation. One day out city should be declared as cleanest city in the country." Marla said.
Ivan D’Souza, MLC on the occasion said “The district of Dakshina Kannada is hundred percent literate. The contributions of the Diocese of Mangalore are significant in making the district hundred percent literate. Now the Diocese has come forward to contribute its service in keeping the city clean. I thank the Bishop for taking such a noble gesture.”
Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that one should take responsibility in managing the waste generated by one self. He recalled the dictum ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ and called on participants and citizens to participate in the cleaning mission.
“If the citizens join hands with the government in keeping surrounding clean, then only we can realize the dream of clean India,” the Bishop reiterated.
The bishop said that 114 parishes of the diocese have taken up cleanliness drive in their respective places.
The organizers of the programme distributed cleanliness pledge sheets to the participants which will be circulated among their friends. The process will go on till January 26, 2015. On the occasion of the Republic Day, a lot will be taken and the winners will be announced. Winners among the people who have signed the cleanliness pledge will get attractive prizes.
A street play conveying the message on the need of keeping the surroundings clean was staged by Valencia Parishioners.
Fr Muller Charitable Institutions Kankanady, St Vincent Ferrer Church Valencia, Roshni Nilaya, Fathima Retreat house, St Joseph Church Jeppu, St Joseph Seminary Jeppu, Jerosa School Jeppu, Holy Rosary Convent Jeppu, Prashanth Nivas Jeppu, St Anthony’s Charity institutes Jeppu, St Rita Church Cascia were the collaborators of the programme. Around 2000 people participated in the programme followed by the cleanliness drive.
Fr Onil D’Souza Director St Anthony‘s Charity Institutes Jeppu and the coordinator of the programme welcomed the guests and gave introduction.
M.P. Noronha from the diocesan pastoral council proposed the vote of thanks.