“Swachhata Se Sahakar” Campaign Organised at St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur

Puttur, 28 May 2025: In commemoration of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and in observance of the International Day of Cooperatives, St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, hosted the “Swachhata Se Sahakar” campaign. This collaborative initiative was supported by the Karnataka State Cooperative Federation Ltd., Bengaluru; Dakshina Kannada District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd., Mangaluru; Dakshina Kannada District Cooperative Union Ltd., Mangaluru; and the Department of Cooperation, Dakshina Kannada District.

The campaign was formally inaugurated by Mr. Shashikumar Rai Ballyottu, President of the D.K. District Cooperative Union. He highlighted the alignment of the campaign with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in honor of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary. Emphasizing the event’s theme, “Cooperation for a Better World,” he reiterated the role of cooperative institutions in fostering rural development and economic empowerment. Citing exemplary leaders like Savanooru Seetharam Rai, who established the Adarsha Vividoddesha Cooperative Society with 15 branches, and Molahalli Shivaraya, a pioneer of the cooperative movement in Dakshina Kannada, he praised the region’s legacy of cooperative excellence. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to explore opportunities in the cooperative movement to build meaningful careers.

Mr. S.B. Jayaram Rai, Director of the D.K. District Central Cooperative Bank, elaborated on the historical roots of cooperative banking. He explained that such institutions were created to free the common people from exploitative informal lenders. He emphasized that cooperative banks remain committed to supporting individuals “from cradle to grave.”

Dr. S.R. Harish Acharya, Director of the D.K. District Cooperative Union, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on the secular, non-discriminatory, and apolitical principles of the cooperative movement. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi as the true ambassador of cleanliness, he stressed that real change begins with self-awareness. “Cleanliness should extend beyond physical spaces to include environmental consciousness and civic responsibility,” he said. Dr. Acharya emphasized that civic discipline, awareness, and individual accountability are crucial to implementing national policies, including those on hygiene and sustainability. He advocated for composting organic waste to produce manure for home gardens and farming, promoting a practical model of ecological responsibility.

Presiding over the event, Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College, reflected on the broader meaning of cleanliness. He remarked, “Cleanliness is not merely about keeping surroundings clean; it involves moral and mental purification as well.” He urged students to cultivate intellectual curiosity and a scientific temper to overcome inner negativity and contribute to building a better society. Commending the organizers for bringing the campaign to campus, he stressed that structured education must be complemented by values gained through real-life engagements.

The event was graced by several dignitaries seated on the dais, including Mr. Manjunath N.S., Director, D.K. District Cooperative Union; Mr. S.N. Raghu, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Puttur Subdivision; Mr. Sanjeev Poojary, Director, D.K. District Cooperative Union; and Mr. Vasanth Jaladi, Operations Officer, Adarsha Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Mr. S.V. Hiremath, Chief Executive Officer of the D.K. District Cooperative Union, extended a warm welcome and delivered the introductory remarks. The programme began with a prayer by Tanvi Rai and team.

Mr. Harshith K., Coordinator, PG Department of Commerce, compered the programme. Ms. Shilpa, Assistant Professor, PG Department of Physics, proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Vipin Nayak, Coordinator, PG Department of Physics, and Ms. Bharathi S. Rai, PRO of the College, actively supported the event.

As part of the campaign, students and faculty participated in cleanliness drives and a sapling plantation initiative within the college campus, reinforcing the message of sustainable cooperation and environmental stewardship.