Kundapura: Sustained efforts to promote environmental awareness and community responsibility are essential to shaping a more conscious generation, said Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojari, while appreciating the monthly beach-cleaning initiative undertaken by Bearys Education at Kodi, Kundapura.
The MP was speaking at the logo unveiling ceremony marking the 50th edition of the Clean Beach Green Kodi campaign, organised by Bearys Knowledge Campus on Saturday. He described the initiative as an inspiration for the youth of India and observed that cleaning and protecting the country’s 10,000-km coastline would be a significant service to society.
Former minister K. Jayaprakash Hegde emphasised that awareness about cleanliness and environmental protection should be cultivated among children from an early age. He called upon parents, teachers and senior citizens to lead by example by maintaining hygiene in their homes, workplaces and surroundings. He also highlighted the importance of respecting nature and protecting the environment for future generations.
Syed Mohamed Beary, Convenor of the Haji K. Mohidin Beary Education Trust, spoke about the responsibility of every individual to preserve the natural environment. He emphasised that the campaign’s larger objective would be fulfilled when the younger generation develops a lasting commitment to environmental conservation.
He also highlighted the institution’s vision of making Kodi an addiction-free community, stressing the importance of collective action to ensure a safe and supportive environment for women and children. He further spoke about plans to extend supplementary educational opportunities for adults.
M. A. Gafoor, President of the Coastal Development Board, drew attention to the growing challenges of climate change and the need to build a pollution-free society. He commended Bearys Education for sustaining the cleanliness campaign for nearly 50 months with the participation of local residents and community organisations.
The programme was presided over by Abdul Rehaman Beary, President of Bearys College of Education.
The event brought together representatives from educational institutions, government departments, environmental organisations, NGOs and community groups. Among those present were Dr. Asif Barry, Trustee of Kodi Bearys Group of Educational Institutions; Ashwini Shetty, Campus Director; Sharmin Banu, Beach Cleaning Ambassador; representatives of local schools and colleges; NSS and Scouts and Guides coordinators; and members of Clean Kundapur Team, Reef Watch, Coastal Green Trust and Nammabhoomi.
Dr. Firdose, Principal of Bearys B.Ed. and D.Ed. College, welcomed the gathering. Shweta K., a teacher from Seaside Public School, compered the programme, while Lamis, a PU College lecturer, delivered the vote of thanks. The heads of various departments at Bearys College of Education, Dr. Poornima, Jayasheela Shetty, Zian and Shabeena, assisted in organising the programme.
The 50th edition of Clean Beach Green Kodi reinforces the importance of education beyond classrooms. By connecting environmental awareness with community participation, the initiative reflects the role educational institutions can play in nurturing responsible citizens and inspiring future generations to protect the natural world.
