Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 29: In a unique way of celebrating the wedding day, a couple, who are working as volunteers for the past four years in the Swacchata Abhiyan carried out by Ramakrishna Mission, took the broom in their hands on their special day and gave an example of dedication towards the mission.

Ramakrishna Mission had the cleanliness drive planned in and around Gandhinagar of the city on Sunday, April 28. As usual the cleanliness drive was flagged off with vedic chants in the presence of Swami Ekagamyananda from the press club in Urwa.

For two volunteers of the mission, who are participating in the cleanliness drive for the past four years, the day was a special one as they were tying the marital knot on Sunday, April 28. Shivu Puttur and Suma Kodikal led the team of enthusiastic volunteers in their bridal wear through the cleanliness drive.

Suma, the bride said, "A clean city of Mangaluru is our goal. If this goal has to bear fruit then we have to put all our efforts. I am really honoured to be a part of this drive by the Ramakrishna Mission for the past four years. Me and my groom have worked on all the Sundays so far and given our contribution to this drive. So we felt it is apt to participate in the mission today also before proceeding to the wedding hall to unite in the marital knot."

Speaking on the occasion, former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik said, "The non-response of good people is more detrimental to the society than the actual bad deeds of others. Therefore, Ramakrishna Mission formed a team of volunteers to do good to the society through this cleaning mission. Now it has become a benchmark for others to emulate."

The volunteers cleaned the areas of government school in Gandhinagar, 4th cross of Gandhinagar, circle at Petlandpet, drains, footpaths and road dividers near the main road of Urwa.

The vicinity near the press club at Urwa was cleared of weed using a weed cutting machine by the students of Nitte Physiotherapy College under the leadership of Mehboob Khan. The volunteers collected garbage that was more than a truck load.

Flower pots were placed in areas were littering was more and the same will be guarded throughout the day and night by the volunteers to prevent the public for throwing any garbage in this area.

The direction boards which were not legible due to the paint gone off of the board were repainted by the volunteers at several places. The park for children in the Police Lane at Pandeshwar which had completely out of use is being renovated by the Ramakrishna Mission.

The park is already cleared of the dirt, garbage and weeds. The walls are decorated with artwork that will suit the taste of children. Outer walls carry healthy message for the society. The playing equipment in the park, which is completely rusted will be replaced by new one and also interlock tiles will be laid and saplings will be planted by the mission very soon.