Over 500 college students participate in ‘shramadana’
The district administration has found an interesting way to involve youth and local community members in the preparations for the Bidar Utsav scheduled for three days from February 1. Recently, it engaged them in ‘shramadana’ to clean the utsav venue.
Over 500 college students cleaned the ground next to the Diwan-e-Khas, where the main stage for the utsav will be put up.
The students were divided into six groups and two teachers were in charge of each group. National Cadet Corps cadets, National Service Scheme volunteers and Scouts and Guides participated in large numbers. Pourakarmikas, government staff and officials also took part in the event.
P.C Jaffer, Deputy Commissioner, led the cleaning drive by removing weeds with a sickle. Political leaders such as Babu Wali and Anil Beldar joined him.
The idea behind involving college students is to ensure a long-term collaboration with the youth, Dr. Jaffer said. He said the success of the ‘sharma dana’ had encouraged them to organise such camps in various parts of the city. “We want to involve the youth and local residents in cleaning and beautification of the city,” he said.
Similar experiment
A similar experiment was done in Basavakalyan as part of preparations for the Basava Utsav. K. Hephsiba Rani, Assistant Commissioner, successfully organised ‘shrama dana’ camps on the premises of historical monuments.
Teams
About 20 teams were formed to participate in the cleanliness drive that was held every Saturday for two months. Over 2,000 students gathered to clean the sites and listen to motivational speeches of leaders and senior officials.
“We had an unprecedented support from students,” Ms. Rani said. Most of them felt it was the first government initiative to involve the youngsters in public events. They were very enthusiastic, she added.
- The three-day event is scheduled to begin on February 1
- The idea is to have a long-term collaboration
- with youngsters, says Deputy Commissioner
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