'Swachh Bharat' campaign by Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Symbiosis College of Nursing and Pune Municipal Corporation

In furtherance of the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign, instituted by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, today, the 17th of November, 2014, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and Symbiosis College of Nursing, the constituents of Symbiosis International University,jointly took the initiative of cleaning up the banks of the Mula-Mutha river in collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation. Over 120 students from different programmes under Symbiosis Law School, Pune and some students from College of Nursing gathered on this occasion to create a difference and be the change they want to be. The event was set into motion with the felicitation of the dignitaries assembled including Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dean, Faculty of Law, Symbiosis International University, Mr. Dattatreya Dhanawade, Mayor, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Mr. Saiyad,Additional Inspector Sanitation,Dr. Bindu Ronald, Deputy Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Mr.Uday Jagtap, Founder & President, Adarsh Mitra Mandal and social worker and Dr. Kalpana from Symbiosis School of Nursing.

The campaign at the Mula-Mutha river basin was undertaken in order to raise awareness regarding the degradation of the environment and water bodies and the possible harm to the human race.

Dr. Shashikala Gurpur in her address stated how such a drive would be a process of enlightenment for the students and moreover a spiritual upliftment for all. She then went on to highlightthe key points of the campaign, being, the need to conserve water through this symbolic movement, so strive toclean the river bed and to unite the students from all branches of Pune in an effort to reduce consumerism and consummation of plastic.“For a cleaner India, it is not brooms that are required, rather, a clean mind could do wonders. This is a pledge much required to allow a better tomorrow to the future generations, so as to make them see the beauty that nature provides”, she said. She further emphasised the need to create better sewage system in Pune city and ensure waste management.

This was followed by the speech of the Hon’ble Mayor who commended Symbiosis for undertaking such an event and creating the spirit of ‘Clean India’ within the students. He further applauded the effort to clean the river as it is a current concern to the PMC with the rising cases of Dengue and filth covering and shadowing the beauty this city has to offer. He further assured the crowd assembled that the PMC would look into the suggestions that have to be offered in the light of a research led by the students and faculty of the law school. He further stated the plans of the PMC to ensure the cleanliness of the river basin along with the development and establishment of sewage treatment plants with Japanese collaboration by mid-2015.

The Mayor, along with the other dignitaries then flagged off the drive. The students were filled with enthusiasm to turn the dumping yard the land had become, back to its scenic beauty. With all the precautions taken the students dug deep inside to rid the land of its plastic and trash the passers-by had carelessly tossed to the river not knowing that this could be a danger to their very own lives. Towards the end of the drive it could be seen the profound effect that a few people could have if they decide to strive for the good. Every person who was part of this drive would think twice before they would toss trash on to the ground as they could see the damage caused by such acts on the habitat for animals and how much of a cause of concern for various diseases it is. The drive came to an end by noon, yet this was only a beginning of what is to come yet. An appeal was handed over to the Mayor suggesting further steps including a common platform for all students from multidisciplinary background from the Pune-based universities to take further steps for reclaiming the Mula-Mutha river, the lifeline of Pune in its original and sacred glory.