A determined group of workers from diverse trades—including drivers, electricians, plumbers, and construction laborers—has taken up the mission of revamping government school toilets across Dakshina Kannada. Operating under the Akhila Karnataka Rajakesari Trust, their initiative, ‘Sowchalayas to Swachhalayas,’ has already improved sanitation facilities in 13 schools across Mangaluru North, South, Bantwal, and Belthangady.

Launched during the last Dasara holidays by the Mangaluru taluk unit of the trust, the campaign was inspired by the dire condition of school washrooms. “Many schools receive donations for books and furniture, but washrooms—an essential need—remain neglected. We saw that girl students avoid using them all day due to poor hygiene,” said Santosh Kolya, the trust’s district president and the campaign’s initiator.

Deepak G Belthangady, the trust’s founder president, explained their approach: “We inspect schools, estimate costs, and plan repairs.” Volunteers dedicate their free time to clearing bushes, cleaning washrooms, repainting walls, fixing electrical connections, and repairing damaged fixtures—all funded from their own pockets.

Their mission is to safeguard students’ health and dignity while instilling civic responsibility in young minds. With official approval from the education department, their efforts are now gaining wider community support, paving the way for cleaner and healthier school environments.

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