The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 cleanliness campaign, themed “Swabhav Swachhata - Sanskar Swachhata” (Cleanliness of Nature – Cleanliness of Culture), was launched at ICAR-CPCRI, RC, Kidu, on 18^th September, 2024. The event featured various theme-based competitions for high school students and staff members of ICAR-CPCRI, RC, Kidu.

The campaign was inaugurated by Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director of ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, who lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Dr. Niral V. (Head, Crop Improvement & Contact Officer) and Sh. Ram Avtar Parshar (CFAO, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod). Sh. Diwakar Y. (SIC, CPCRI RC, Kidu) served as the organizing chairman and welcomed the dignitaries and student participants.

In his presidential address, Dr. K. B. Hebbar emphasized the vital role of cleanliness in promoting a healthy lifestyle. He urged educators to instill the importance of cleanliness in students from an early age, citing the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal and plastic pollution on animals and the environment. Sh. Ram Avtar Parshar, in his address as guest of honour, highlighted the cleanliness initiatives launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India since 2014. He encouraged all participants to incorporate cleanliness into their daily routines. Dr. Niral, V., Head Crop Improvement and Contact officer, underscored the significance of maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings and extended best wishes to students and staff for their participation in the various competitions. During the programme, three Safai Karmi individuals (Smt. Hema, N., Smt. Roopa Voggu and Smt. Janaki, N.) from Bilinele grama panchayat were identified and honoured with Safai Mitra Samman.

Sh. Gopala Krishna, A. S. (Technical Officer), the organizing secretary delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all involved. Approximately 50 students from five schools and all the staff members of RC Kidu participated in swachhata programmes and competitions including poster making (on theme Ek Ped Maa ke Naam), quiz, singing and essay writing on the key aspects of Swachhata Hi Seva programme. Sh. UdayKumar, Assistant Professor at KSS College, Subrahmanya, served as the judge for the singing / essay competitions and the dignitaries evaluated the posters and awarded prizes and certificates to the winners.

A series of cleanliness programs are scheduled to continue until 2nd October, 2024, as part of the broader initiative. This campaign successfully engaged students and staff in promoting cleanliness, emphasizing its importance for a sustainable future.