Mysuru
There was overwhelming interest shown by the administrators, principals and teachers from over 10 leading schools of the city to contribute to recruit 10000 youths for Clean Mysuru City Campaign.
Everyone was appreciative of the renewed efforts of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) to involve the next generation. All expressed full faith in the well-known theory that it is absolutely essential to inculcate the idea of keeping the neighborhood and city clean from kindergarten. But there was apprehension of how to get children to “monitor” and prevent others from throwing garbage. Some even raised the question of what kind of protection officials give if some behave rudely and even may hurt the children.
MCC’s environmental engineer Sridevi intervened to comment that even fully authorized MCC staff is threatened in places like Manajunathpur and Paduvarhalli. Others commented that chances of young children requesting the elders (unless they are mentally disturbed or drunk) are more likely to be well received. It seems to have convinced the participants.
Every school commented that either through Eco-club or through some such clubs teachers are already trying to impart the children to not to throw garbage. Still all agreed that it is an uphill battle. Some even find difficult to keep the school camp clean. It was only when self motivated teachers – and not the nominated ones to fill the position for official purpose – get involved and inspire at least 50 students to get involved the initiative will have some chance to succeed. Such teachers also have to impress the children that each and every one has responsibility to give back to society.
It was stressed that children should not be asked to collect garbage from the roads. Children should sensitive their parents and family members to use cloth bags while shopping, to use less SUP package materials. Children should be encouraged to bring out their creative ideas to keep city clean by poster design, street plays, and any out of the box ideas.
Correspondent of Vijay Vittal, Vasudev Bhat shared one idea of keeping the school premises clean by stopping the practice of giving chocolate (wrappers are often thrown despite the presence of dust bins) by asking them to give freshly prepared sweets in boxes. Some even started to give some rice to be donated to orphanages.
Rotarian Col. Ravi announced that he would undertake the ambitious goal of reaching at least 25 schools to motivate children to get involved in the clean Mysuru Campaign. He also agreed to request schools to exhibit in each classroom MGP designed posters. Posters have simple mantra asking children not to throw garbage and stop others from throwing garage. More than likely other interested Mysureans are likely to take this challenge.
Principal of Excel School and President of Private CBSE, Mathew K G along with Coordinator Harshida Hari kumar have readily agreed to convince more than 100 city’s schools to participate in the clean Mysuru Campaign.
It was encouraging that Mathru Mandali school with mostly first generation children came forward to get involved by going around Paduvarhalli to convince residents to keep the premises clean.
All agreed that because of active participation, Clean Mysuru Campaign will get some more momentum to compliment many initiatives of MCC like cleaning Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVP), forceful steps taken to impose fines, involving every stakeholder group, etc.
