Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 2: As part of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, ‘Gandhi Namana’ was observed in Udupi on Tuesday, October 2 at Gandhi Park, Ajjarkad. The programme inaugurated by MLA K Raghupati Bhat was organised by Udupi district administration in collaboration with zilla panchayat, Udupi, City Municipality Council and Information Department.
District commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, MLA K Raghupati Bhat, ASP Kumarachandra and other guests paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
“Nowadays, Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan day. It is a good development. Plastic ban resolution is already taken up by Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar. Nothing can be changed in one day. People's habits and attitude must be changed. Today, no one wants to carry bags with them. If people bring their own bags, plastic problem will be solved. Shop owners, malls should avoid use of plastic,” said Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis.
“There is government order on using eco-friendly stuff (hasiru shishtachara) in government offices. The mentality of public must be changed. A supportive system needs to be created for the disposal of waste. Kitchen waste must be disposed at home itself. Let apartments, hotels, wedding halls start bio-gas plant, which costs a mere Rs 20,000. It will reduce the burden on municipality. CMC collects 75 tons of waste during occasions. Let teachers create awareness about plastic and disposal of waste at schools and colleges. Let us all join hands together for making Udupi 'No plastic - green district',” the DC added.
MLA Raghupati Bhat said, “Modi has given a call for all Indians in 2014 on making India Swachh Bharath, and 2019 the resolution must be fulfilled. 2019 also happens to be the sesquicentennial celebration year of Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Senior citizens committee, NGOs, clubs are organising clean city programmes everywhere.”
“Mindset of the people has to change first. Until then, we cannot achieve our goal. Let us keep our home, environment and village clean first. This would be a great tribute to Gandhiji. Segregation of wet waste should be done at home,” he added.
“Udupi received Swachh Bharat award recently. Let more awareness camps be organised. Let us see Clean Udupi visibly by October 2, 2019,” Bhat added.
On the occasion, Bhat has released special edition ‘Vartha Janapada’ book regarding Gandhiji's bibliography.
Pundalika Marate, a senior thinker and retired teacher delivered a special lecture on Mahathma Gandhiji’s life and his principle values.
Ganesh Gangolli and team sang patriotic songs. Dinakar Babu, president, Zilla panchayat, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president, Taluk Panchayat were present.
CMC Commissioner Janardhan extended the welcome and B A Khadar Shah, Information Department officer proposed vote of thanks. Prakash Suvarna compered the programme.