Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 6: The NSS unit of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), here, in association with Students for Development Team, Bengaluru organised a one-day programme 'Idea Conclave for Better Mangaluru' on September 5 at Robert Sequeira hall, LCRI block of the college.
Mohammed Nazir, commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation was the inaugurator. Krishnaprasad Madthila, director, CAMPCO, Mangaluru was guest of honour, Prem S, national convenor, Students for Development Team, Bengaluru was the keynote speaker. Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal of the college presided over the programme.
After inaugurating the programme, Mohammed Nazir, commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation spoke on the issues faced by Mangalureans. Though Mangaluru has basic amenities, solid waste management is not properly disposed. Everyday 350 ton solid waste is collected and segregation of the same is not done in order. Hence, it is the responsibility of every citizen of Mangaluru. Besides this, use of plastic bag is another issue here and ban of plastic is need of the hour. It has been declared that from September 3 onwards Mangalore City Corporation will raid shops as well as people who use plastic carry bags and take serious action over them.
He further said, “Mangaluru being an education hub, students need to involve themselves in bringing awareness in the city regarding green environment. MCC has conducted various projects in this respect, but much more has to be done, for which the help of youth/students is very much required."
Prem S, in his keynote address shared his views on environmental issues in India as well as in Mangaluru. He said that Mangaluru is a land of knowledge, culture, heritage and diversity. Mangalureans are highly knowledgeable people. The most concerning issue in Mangaluru is environment. He explained the initiatives taken by the student community in Narmada Bachavo Andolan through Student for Development Team. Mangalureans need to recognize that this rapid, often unplanned urbanisation brings risks of profound social instability, risks of critical infrastructure, potential water crisis and potential for devastating spread of diseases. He urged the students to take initiative in environmental issues as it is the need of the hour.
Krishnaprasad Madthila, director, CAMPCO, Mangaluru in his speech said, “Youth are not useless, but they are used less." He spoke about the benefits of corporate sector as well as self-help groups. Various co-operative societies helped to develop economically and made the entire economic system strong. He urged the students to do good things for the country and make it a better place to live.
Fr Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks said, “I feel proud to say that it is indeed a good initiative by St Aloysius NSS unit to organize this conclave, which is the need of the hour. Everything begins from youth since they are young and are the future leaders of the nation. They can also make a difference. Youth can take greater responsibility and make a change. Take a pledge on this concept for a better Mangaluru and come forward with your ideas to make our city better and cleaner."
During the programme, there was a talk on Namma Mangaluru! Namma Future! Besides this, there was an interactive session with stakeholders from different organizations and panel discussion with stakeholders from different colleges. At the end, there was a presentation by the students on 'Future Decision Makers: Youth/Students'.
Rosna Reji, II BCom compered the programme. Alwyn D’Souza introduced the guests and welcomed the gathering. Tushar from ICBM proposed the vote of thanks.
The chief guest for the valedictory session was MLA Dr Bharath Shetty, and Vinutha Rai, coordinator, NSS- Mangalore University, was the guest of honour.
Jithin Kattilkody, convener, ICBM 2019 presided over the valedictory function.