Udupi, Oct 2: Catholic Sabha, Mt Rosary Church unit, Santhekatte - Kallianpur, organized a public awareness campaign by leading a movement to collect garbage and solid plastic waste material, fragile glass bottles etc thrown recklessly in public places and arranging to dispose of the same in a scientific way, thereby setting an example, to keep the surrounding neat, clean and green.

Half a day’s, social work was given a start by Catholic Sabha president Jyothy Lewis during a simple, symbolic programme, declaring the commencement of the day-long exercise near the Ozanaam House at 9.30 am. Vice-president of the Church Pastoral Council and panchayat member Baptist Dias, appreciated the initiative by the CS general secretary Archibald Furtado, outlined the day's programme and expressed happiness to see the true concern of participants in good number.

During the planned event to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, all the office-bearers, and most of the enthusiastic members of the Catholic Sabha, voluntarily participated in the campaign, even during the never-ending threat of COVID 19 pandemic, a genuine cause of deep concern.

Former presidents – Santhosh Cornelio, presently the secretary of the Pradesh team, Valerian Fernandes, Marita Lewis, were present to boost the morale of the volunteers and socially concerned citizens, who braved the inconvenience of gathering people in large numbers and social distancing. Peter Lewis, vice-president of CS, organised light refreshments for the volunteers and former president Elias D’Souza donated the service of the hired labourers. Baptist Dias too arranged a grass-cutter with the machine and mini truck to transport the debris.

‘Practicing what we preach’ will be the best way to educate the masses by taking initiatives so that onlookers and public pick a lesson from such public events.

Almost one kilometre stretch of the main road from Ozanam House via Kemmannu junction till close to the Nejar play ground was cleansed and the waste bags were accumulated for disposal by the municipality workers. While concluding, Gracie Mendonca thanked everyone for making the campaign successful.