Mangaluru: Though every weekend Ramakrishna Mission holds Swacchata Abhiyan in different areas, Sunday’s cleanliness drive, which was carried out in Capitanio and Derebail areas was very special as Mahatma Gandhi himself participated in the abhiyan!

As Gandhi was seen cleaning the garbage, holding a broom, many passersby thronged to witness the scene. Later, they realised that it was Augustine Almed, who joined the Abhiyan in the guise of Mahatma Gandhiji. He informed that cleanliness is the foundation stone for Ramarajya as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and all should give prime importance to cleanliness.

The shramadan was flagged off jointly by Balakrishna Kottari, Managing Trustee, Maroli Sooryanarayana Temple and Dr Rahul Thonse, Dentist in front of Capitanio School. Another drive was flagged off in front of Derebail Church Hall by Father Austin Paris and Belgian citizen, Ann Cardinal.  

After flagging off in front of Capitanio School, volunteers formed six teams and cleared off garbage.  Decorative flower plants were placed to dissuade the public from littering further. Pravin Shetty, Balakrishna Bhat, Umakanth Suvarna, Rajagopal Shetty, Himmat Singh, Avinash Anchan and many other volunteers took part in the Shramadan. Social Activist Sowraj and others removed unofficial hoardings and banners at Kankanadi, Capitanio, Maroli, Pumpwell & nearby areas.