Bengaluru: The National Service Scheme (NSS) inauguration and Vanamahothsava were held at the Loyola Degree College in Bannerghatta on Saturday, August 11. The programme was inaugurated by Nadoja Saalumarada Thimmakka.
Speaking on the occasion, Saalumarada Thimakka said, “I did not have children, so I planted trees for four kilometres on the sides of the roads and cared for them like they are my children. These trees have grown today and are providing shelter to thousands of people. That is why everyone should take care of trees like they take care of their own children.”
In his introductory speech, the college programme officer of the NSS, Dr. Kumaraswamy Belli Hajji said that the NSS should not limit itself to cleaning the environment. He further stated that apart from the environment, the people’s minds also need to be cleaned. The NSS was started in the name of Mahatma Gandhi and so is the Swacha Bharath Campaign.
The Chief Guest Dr. Srininvas, coordinator of the NSS Bangalore University said that the students should not pick up waste from the sides of the roads just to show they are cleaning. Instead, there should be a commitment in the work of cleaning. He also said that the achievements of Saalumarada Thimmakka should be an inspiration to the students.
The principal of the college Rev. Fr. Francis D’Almeida said, “Saalumarada Thimmakka coming to our college has made us really happy and her blessings should always be there on the students.”
The programme was presided over by the head of the Loyola group of institutions, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph A.S. The students and teachers of Loyola higher primary school and Loyola college participated in the programme. Lecturer of the Department of Commerce, Tejaswini compered the programme and Kanaka Jyothi gave the vote of thanks.
