Unstoppable Spirit: 2.72 Lakh Volunteers Unite to Transform 11,000 Religious Centers Across Karnataka!

Volunteers from the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) recently took part in the “Namma Ooru, Namma Shraddha Kendra” initiative, a cleanliness campaign that coincided with Independence Day celebrations across Karnataka. This year’s effort saw over 2.72 lakh volunteers cleaning nearly 11,000 religious sites, including temples, mosques, and churches, highlighting a growing commitment to community service and hygiene.

The campaign, now in its 10th year, identified 10,844 religious centers for rejuvenation. Volunteers were comprised of SKDRDP members, local religious leaders, village elders, and representatives from various community organizations. S.S. Anil Kumar, Executive Director of SKDRDP, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, which united diverse groups for a common cause.

During the week-long campaign, volunteers undertook a variety of tasks, including clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning inner premises, and restoring nearby water bodies such as ponds and tanks. Considerable attention was also paid to maintaining hygiene in public restrooms and streets. In line with contemporary environmental concerns, volunteers encouraged the management of religious centers to eliminate plastic bags in favor of reusable cloth alternatives.

The campaign is part of a broader initiative led by Pattadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, aimed at fostering a culture of cleanliness in daily life. Launched nine years ago, these cleanliness drives occur biannually, marking both Independence Day and Makara Sankranthi, demonstrating SKDRDP’s ongoing commitment to promoting environmental awareness across the state.

Heggade believes that religious centers carry vital messages about leading a righteous life, making it essential that they are kept clean. “If religious centers are maintained properly, it sends a powerful message to society about the importance of cleanliness,” he noted. The initiative has effectively transformed into a mass movement thanks to the collaboration of SKDRDP with like-minded organizations, garnering support from citizens across diverse communities. Kumar reiterated that Heggade advocates for every individual to pledge to uphold cleanliness standards within these spiritual sites, thus translating this commitment into broader societal change.

Through the “Namma Ooru, Namma Shraddha Kendra” campaign, SKDRDP is not only cleaning up physical spaces but also igniting a grassroots movement focused on social responsibility and eco-consciousness. The program exemplifies how community engagement can lead to significant improvements in public health and environmental standards.

As the initiative continues to gain momentum, it highlights the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all. The clean-up efforts serve as a reminder that maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings is a shared responsibility that has far-reaching implications for society at large.

In conclusion, the “Namma Ooru, Namma Shraddha Kendra” campaign is more than just a hygiene initiative; it’s a clarion call for community action, place-based responsibility, and a collective commitment to a cleaner future.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/over-272-lakh-volunteers-clean-close-to-11000-religious-centres-during-independence-day-cleanliness-initiative-of-sdkdrp/article69967869.ece
Category : Mangaluru
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Publish Date: 2025-08-23 14:21:00