The NSS Unit of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru in association with Students for Development Team, Bengaluru organized a one-day programme “Idea Conclave for Better Mangaluru” on 5th September 2019 at Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block of the College. Mr Mohammed Nazir, Commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation was the inaugurator. Mr Krishnaprasad Madthila, Director, CAMPCO, Mangaluru was the Guest of Honour, Mr Prem S., National Convenor, Students for Development Team, Bengaluru was the keynote speaker. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of the College presided over the programme. After inaugurating the programme, Mr Mohammed Nazir, Commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation spoke on the issues facing by Mangaloreans. Though Mangaluru has the basic amenities, the solid waste management is not properly disposed. Everyday 350 ton solid waste is being collected and the segregation of the same is not being done in order. Hence, it is the responsibility of every citizen of Mangaluru. Besides this, use of plastic bag is another issue here and the ban of plastic is need of the hour. It has been declared that on September 3rd onwards the Mangalore City Corporation will raid to shops as well as the people who use plastic carry bags and take serious action over them. He further said, “Mangaluru being a education hub, students need to involve themselves in bringing awareness in the City regarding green environment. MCC has conducted various projects in this respect, but much more has to be done, for which the help of youth/students is very much required”. Mr Prem S, in his keynote address shared his views on environmental issues in India as well as in Mangaluru. He said that Mangaluru is a land of knowledge, culture, heritage and diversity. Mangaloreans are highly knowledgeable people. The most concerning issue in Mangaluru is Environment. He explained the initiatives taken by the student community in Narmada Bachavo Andolan through Student for Development Team. Mangaloreans need to recognize that this rapid, often unplanned urbanization brings risks of profound social instability, risks of critical infrastructure, potential water crisis and the potential for devastating spread of diseases. He urged the students to take initiative in environmental issues as it is the need of the hour. Mr Krishnaprasad Madthila, Director, CAMPCO, Mangaluru in his speech said that “Youth are not useless but they are used less”. He spoke about the benefits of corporate sector as well as the Self-Help Groups. Various co-operative societies helped to develop economically and made the entire economic system strong. He urged the students to do good thinks for the country and make a better place to live. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, in his presidential remarks said, “Feel proud to say that it is indeed a good initiative by St Aloysius NSS unit to organize this Conclave, which is the need of the hour. Everything begins from the youth since they are young, and are the future leaders of the nation, and they can make a difference. Youth can take greater responsibility and make a change. Take a pledge on this concept for a Better Mangaluru and come forward with your ideas to make our City Better and Cleaner”. During the programme, there was a talk on Namma Mangaluru! Namma Future! Besides this, there was an interactive session with stakeholders from different organizations and Panel Discussion with stakeholders from different colleges. At the end, there was a presentation by the students on “Future Decision Makers: Youth/Students”. Rosna Reji, II B.Com. compered the programme. Alwyn D’Souza introduced the guests and welcomed the gathering. Tushar from ICBM proposed the vote of thanks . The chief guest for the Valedictory Session was MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty, and Smt Vinutha Rai, Coordinator, NSS-Mangalore University, was the guest of honour. Jithin Kattilkody, Convener, ICBM 2019 presided over the valedictory function.
