Mangaluru: “As rag pickers are crucial to cleanliness, they are considered as soldiers of cleanliness,” said PAR ECO Solutions founder Rakshith Shetty on Friday, November 1.

Inaugurating the three-day-long educational simulation ‘SAPMUN’, organised by St Aloysius Pre-University College at Loyola Hall, he said, “Even though India is leading in waste segregation in the entire world, it has been lagging behind in waste management. There is a need to recycle plastic and other garbage in order to keep the environment clean. As the rag pickers pick waste and segregate it properly, they act as soldiers of cleanliness.”

St Aloysius Pre-University College principal Rev Fr Sequeira, during his introductory speech, said that the whole world is reeling under many problems and people should be sensitive in handling the situation. “In order to bring peace among nations, the UNO was formed. Each nation has its own role in maintaining peace. The programme ‘SAPMUN’ intends to develop debating skills and enable the students to voice their opinions effectively by representing different nations,” he said.

St Aloysius institutions rector Rev Fr Dionysius Vas said that through ‘SAPMUN’, the students should understand the real problems of the world. “It is a platform to inculcate knowledge on international issues and preparing ourselves to face the challenges. It is also a platform to build a better democratic system as well,” he added.

‘SAPMUN’ aims at fostering diplomatic zeal among the students to represent their views on a platform that mimics the activities of the UNO.

The valedictory of the programme will be held on November 3 and will be presided over by former Lokayukta Justice N Santhosh Hegde. 

Anusha Shetty and Dhruv Patel compered the programme. Staff convener of SAPMUN Maxson D’Silva proposed the vote of thanks. Finance Officer of the college Vinod Paul, Secretary-General Sasha D’Souza, director-general Azaan Ibrahim, student coordinator Letitia D’Costa and others were present.