“Swachhata Hi Seva” (SHS) meaning “Cleanliness is Service” is a nationwide initiative launched by the Government of India, aimed at fostering a sense of cleanliness, hygiene and environmental responsibility among citizens. The campaign aligns with the larger “Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan” (Clean India Mission) initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. The SHS initiative emphasizes collective citizen action to contribute towards making India clean and garbage-free.
The “Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva 2024” which began on September 17, 2024 and concluded on October 02, 2024 is based on the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata”. Under SHS, the National Service Scheme Units of Canara College Mangaluru conducted numerous activities ranging from beach cleanups, campus sanitation drives, tree plantation, and awareness rallies. It seeks to promote sanitation and sustainable practices, with a particular emphasis on proper waste management, environmental conservation, and the reduction of plastic waste.
The program details are as follows:
Day 01: Briefing and Planning – September 17, 2024
The event kicked off with a strategic session where all participants were briefed on the activities planned for “Swachhata Pakhwada.” The purpose was to align everyone with the goals of the campaign and assign responsibilities for the upcoming events.
Day 02: Pick and Speak – September 18, 2024
A Pick and Speak competition was organized where participants randomly picked topics related to cleanliness, environment, and waste management, allowing them to share their thoughts and raise awareness in an interactive manner.
Day 03: College Campus Sanitation – September 19, 2024
The volunteers took part in cleaning the college campus. This collective effort aimed to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility among participants toward maintaining a clean environment in their daily spaces.
Day 04: Group Singing Competition – September 20, 2024
A musical event was held with themes centered around cleanliness and environmental conservation. Through song, participants spread the message of a clean India and encouraged others to take part in the movement.
Day 05: International Coastal Cleanup Day at Panambur Beach – September 21, 2024
NSS volunteers in collaboration with Coast Guard, Panambur participated in cleaning the beach as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. This activity emphasized the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and keeping coastal areas free from pollution.
Day 06: “Swachha Sakha-Sakhi” Quiz Competition – September 22, 2024
A quiz competition based on the theme of cleanliness, hygiene and environmental protection was conducted for the NSS volunteers.
Day 07: NSS Room Cleaning – September 23, 2024
A specific focus was given to the cleanliness of the NSS room, reflecting the idea that cleanliness starts from within one’s own surroundings.
Day 08: Swachhata Pledge – September 24, 2024
Participants took a formal Swachhata Pledge, committing themselves to the cause of cleanliness, environmental protection, and responsible waste management.
Day 09: Awareness Lecture on “Environmental Swachhata” – September 25, 2024
An insightful lecture was delivered by Ms. Madhushree, Head, Department of Zoology, Canara College on the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and the impact of human activities on the environment. This educational session was aimed at inspiring action toward sustainability.
Day 10: Placard-making Competition – September 26, 2024
A creative competition was organized where participants made placards with powerful messages related to cleanliness and environmental protection. These placards were used in subsequent awareness activities.
Day 11: Swachhata Awareness Rally – September 27, 2024
An awareness rally was organized to engage the broader community in the cleanliness campaign. Participants marched with placards and raised slogans advocating for clean surroundings and environmental conservation.
Day 12: Seed Ball Plantation at Kodmannu, Bantwal Taluk – September 28, 2024
Volunteers participated in a seed ball plantation drive in the adopted village of Kodmannu, promoting greenery and environmental sustainability in rural areas.
Day 13: College Neighborhood Cleaning – September 29, 2024
Volunteers set out to clean and spread awareness about cleanliness in their neighborhood by picking up litter in the neighboring lanes of the college.
Day 14: Distribution of MY Bharat Kit – September 30, 2024
Kits were distributed to the participants as a token of appreciation and to further motivate them to continue working for the cleanliness cause.
Day 14: College Garden Cleaning – September 30, 2024
Wearing the My Bharat caps, the volunteers cleaned and maintained the college garden, showcasing the importance of keeping green spaces healthy and beautiful.
Day 15: Handbill Distribution of “Say No to Single-Use Plastic” and Waste Management Awareness – October 01, 2024
Handbills were distributed in the community with messages encouraging the reduction of single-use plastic and proper waste disposal methods.
Day 16: Culminating Mega Event – “Swachha Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” at Tannirbavi Beach – October 02, 2024
The “Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign” concluded with a major cleanup drive at Tannirbavi Beach, symbolizing the collective responsibility toward preserving marine life and coastal areas for future generations.
This 16-day Swachhata Hi Seva initiative highlighted the importance of community participation in achieving a cleaner, greener India and fostered awareness on the pressing need for sustainable environmental practices.
Report By,
Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat
Mrs. Sushama C.
