Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 03: In commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Sri Vijaypuram, in collaboration with the NSS wings of JNRM, ANCOL, and Andaman Law College, organized a mega cleanliness drive under the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ program at the Foreshore Road, Haddo, opposite Marine Police Station. The vulnerable shoreline area, often inundated with garbage brought in by sea currents, was the focus of the clean-up effort. Despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day, about 275 enthusiastic youth participated in this impactful initiative, contributing towards the preservation of the local environment.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. During his interaction with the youth, he emphasized the crucial role they play in the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mr. Ray encouraged the participants to share innovative ideas for the overall development of the Islands via WhatsApp, highlighting the importance of their active involvement in maintaining cleanliness and driving sustainable development for future generations.
Also present was Mr. Ravi Kr. Sinha, Under Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, who attended as the Guest of Honour and Observer from the Ministry. Addressing the participants, Mr. Sinha praised the youth for their dedication and stressed the critical need for maintaining cleanliness in coastal areas, which are highly susceptible to pollution from the sea. He also discussed the role of the Ministry in supporting youth-led initiatives that contribute to both environmental protection and the broader development of the Islands.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated at the JNRM Auditorium with a garlanding ceremony in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Ravi Kr. Sinha presided over the event as the Chief Guest and spoke on the values of Gandhian philosophy, particularly the importance of cleanliness and self-reliance, which resonate deeply with the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign.
The event was also attended by Dr. Kandimuthu, State Programme Coordinator, NSS; Dr. N. J. Shastry, Assistant Professor, ANCOL; Dr. Jochibed Vincent, Programme Officer, NSS; Dr. Satya Prakash, Programme Officer, NSS JNRM; Dr. Ratna Kushwaha, Programme Officer, NSS JNRM; Mrs. Shibani Rajbhushan, Programme Officer, NSS JNRM; Mr. Raajiv, Programme Officer, NSS Andaman Law College, along with their teams of NSS volunteers.
The entire program was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Kandimuthu and Mr. Gopal Ch. Biswas of NYK. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Gopal Ch. Biswas, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, the distinguished guests, the officers and staff of various departments, including the State Transport, Directorate of Health Services, Media, Doordarshan Kendra, and SVPMC, for their invaluable support. Special thanks were extended to the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman for his crucial support in making the program a grand success.
The ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ program once again demonstrated the commitment of Andaman’s youth toward environmental preservation and community service, marking a significant contribution to the cleanliness and sustainable development of the Islands.
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