Forum to promote cleanliness in city through music

Mangaluru: In a bid to promote cleanliness, Karavali Sangeetha Kalavidara Okkoota of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will organise a campaign titled ‘Sangeethadondinge Swachhate' in the city on Sunday.
Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, singer Jagadish Shetty Boloor said that the okkoota, which was founded 17 years ago, was actively involved in various social and cultural activities in the coastal districts. Through the Sangeethadondinge Swachhate programme, the organisation plans to unite people and create awareness on cleanliness in Mangaluru city.
As part of the campaign, a cleanliness drive with music will be held from Lalbagh to Urwa Grounds between 7.30 am and 12pm. During the 1.5 km long cleanliness drive, artistes will sing ‘naadageethe', patriotic songs, and group songs. Over 100 members of the okkoota will take part in the drive, which will also see the participation of enthusiasts from various sections of society, he said.
The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has agreed to arrange vehicles to transport waste, he said, adding that a valedictory ceremony will be held at Urwa grounds.
Keshava Kanila, president of the okkoota, and advisor Thonse Pushkal Kumar, said that the okkoota, which has over 300 members, held several charitable initiatives for the welfare of artistes. In addition, musical programmes were held in orphanages, old age homes, and in jail. Further, ‘Music for harmony', multi-lingual poets' meets and felicitation programmes to honour achievers were also held in the past, said Kumar.