Udupi: 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi observed with cleanliness drive in Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 02 Oct: The 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was observed throughout India as Cleanliness Drive on 2 October 2019. In Moodubelle the cleanliness drive was observed by various organizations under the leadership of Lions Club of Moodubelle. These organizations included Belle Grama Panchayat, Catholic Sabha, Stree Sanghattan, ICYM, Eco Club of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School, NSS of St. Lawrence PU College and Church Aided Higher Primary School.

 

The programme commenced at 9.45 am in the Higher Primary School Ground. Ln. Rajendra Shetty explained the significance of the cleanliness drive especially prohibition of single use plastics. Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle highlighted the importance of the drive and pointed out how the students can be the messengers of this cleanliness drive.

 

Mrs. Ranjani Hegde, President of Belle Grama Panchayat flagged off the procession of the participants by waving the green flag.

 

Participants from different organizations marched through the main road of Moodubelle carrying placards and shouting slogans to spread awareness among the residents of the township. The procession ended in the premises of St. Lawrence Church.

 

The participants in the cleanliness drive picked up plastic and other  material littered by the side of the road.

 

 

Having completed the cleanliness drive, all the participants gathered in front of the Canara Bank building for the valedictory function. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas who was the chief guest offered floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi followed by the office bearers of different organizations participating in the drive.

 

Students of Eco Club of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School presented a skit highlighting the importance of cleanliness in preventing diseases.

 

Delivering his message, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas said that Mahatma Gandhi is the greatest gift of God to India who not only succeeded in bringing freedom to India but also taught the citizens the finer values of life such as truth, cleanliness, humanity, non-violence and harmony among different religious communities. He further said that cleanliness should start with one’s conscience. A person with clean heart can strive to keep his surroundings clean and healthy. He made an appeal to the students to develop the spirit of cleanliness in their classrooms, home and surroundings.

 

Sr. Irene Viegas, Headmistress of Church Aided Higher Primary School, Mrs. Sunitha Kamath, Headmistress of St. Lawrence Kannada Medium High School and office bearers and members of various organizations were present. 

 

Ln. Anil D’Mello, First Vice President of Lions Club, Moodubelle welcomed the gathering, Ln. Henry Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks and Ln. Nevil D’Souza compeered the programme.