On August 11, 2024 Sunday, 35 students of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, gathered with a shared purpose: to contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. They participated in a cleanliness drive and sapling plantation in the vicinity of SDM Mangala Jyothi Integrated School, Vamanjoor, Mangalore. This event, a part of the ongoing 11th monthly Swacchata Shramadan, was organized by the Ramakrishna Mission - Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan in association with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. The initiative also saw active involvement from Vana Charitable Trust, St Joseph’s Seminary, Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, Mangala Group of Educational Institutions, NSS Unit of Yenepoya University and the Chair in Christianity of Mangalore University.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed spiritual leaders and educators. Pujya Swami Jitakamanandaji of Ramakrishna Math Mangaluru and Swami Mahamedhanandaji of the Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education, Mysuru, lent their guidance and wisdom to the gathering. Distinguished guests, including Dr Devraj K, Very Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, and Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, Sri Ranjan Bellarpady, Chief Coordinator at Ramakrishna Mission alongside and Jeeth Milan Roche from Vana Trust and many other volunteers, were also present. Their collective presence underscored the importance of the event, which aimed to instil a sense of responsibility towards nature in every participant.

In his address, Swami Mahamedhanandaji emphasized the profound connection between humanity and the environment, stating, “We are part of this nature. We need to give back to nature and work for its betterment.” His words served as a powerful reminder of the duty each individual holds in preserving the world around them. The message resonated deeply with the participants, encouraging them to take tangible steps toward environmental conservation.

Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao in his message said, “The popular expression ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ is valid even today and we, the citizens of our country, must promote it everywhere. When we have cleanness in our thought, speech and in our hearts, we can dream of cleanliness in our society. Clean environment is a relentless and continuous movement. Let’s join hands to create a cleanliness around us.

The students of St Joseph’s Seminary and students from other institutions and colleges actively engaged in both the cleanliness drive and the sapling plantation. Their enthusiastic participation demonstrated a commitment not only to the community but also to the broader goal of environmental stewardship. This initiative reflects the growing awareness and dedication among young minds to contribute positively to society and the planet, setting an example for others to emulate.