Mysuru: Pourakarmikas are the true ambassadors of cleanliness and hygiene and play a critical role in realising the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’, said Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar. He made the remarks while inaugurating ‘Pourakarmika Day’ organised by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) at Kalamandira on Hunsur Road on September 23.

Highlighting the strenuous work carried out by Pourakarmikas every day to keep Mysuru clean, Yaduveer said their contribution is central to maintaining the city’s sanitation standards. He described them as the actual drivers of cleanliness, while others can only motivate and support their efforts.

The event was organised to recognise the contribution of Pourakarmikas and provide a platform to celebrate their work and dedication. Several Pourakarmikas representing different wards of the MCC were felicitated during the programme.

Yaduveer praises Pourakarmikas’ contribution

Addressing the gathering, Yaduveer said Pourakarmikas perform an important public service by ensuring that waste is collected and public spaces remain clean. Their work directly contributes to hygiene and the overall quality of life in the city.

He emphasised that cleanliness cannot be achieved only through government programmes or civic administration. The sustained efforts of sanitation workers, along with responsible participation from citizens, are essential for maintaining a clean urban environment.

Yaduveer also expressed his wish that Mysuru should once again regain its ‘Cleanest City’ tag. The city has secured the recognition twice in the past, and he said the collective efforts of Pourakarmikas would be crucial in achieving the distinction again.

His remarks placed the contribution of sanitation workers at the centre of the city’s cleanliness efforts, while also recognising the need for continued public and administrative support.

Pourakarmikas felicitated at Kalamandira

The Pourakarmika Day programme also included a felicitation ceremony. Several Pourakarmikas were honoured, with one representative from each MCC ward being felicitated for their contribution to maintaining the city’s cleanliness.

Artist Puneeth, who created a colourful Rangoli depicting Pourakarmikas in front of Kalamandira, was also felicitated during the event.

The celebrations also included cultural programmes presented by Pourakarmikas and their family members. A bodybuilding demonstration by MCC tractor driver Manchanna was another feature of the programme.

The activities provided an opportunity for the sanitation workforce and their families to participate in an event that recognised their contribution beyond their daily duties.

Civic officials attend the programme

Several senior officials and representatives of the MCC attended the Pourakarmika Day celebrations.

Among those present were Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha, Additional Commissioner B.N. Veena, Superintending Engineer Sindhu, Deputy Commissioners Dasegowda and G.S. Somashekar, MCC Chief Accounts Officer Muthu and MCC Guarantee Schemes Committee President Pushpavalli.

Assistant Engineers Mruthyunjaya and Deepak, Assistant Executive Engineer Madhukar, former Mayor Narayana, MCC Employees Association President Nagaraj, Somashekar and others also participated in the programme.

The participation of officials from different wings of the civic administration highlighted the importance of sanitation services in the functioning of the city.

Health check-up camp for Pourakarmikas

As part of Pourakarmika Day activities, a free health check-up camp was also organised for Pourakarmikas at Cauvery Hospital on Bannur Road.

Around 200 Pourakarmikas underwent health examinations at the camp. The medical programme was conducted under the guidance of Cauvery Hospital Chief Dr Chandrashekar, Hospital Managing Director Dr Sarala Chandrashekar, Medical Superintendent Dr Rajeev and Dr Manjunath Bhargav.

MCC Commissioner Savitha visited the camp and interacted with the Pourakarmikas while enquiring about their health. She also thanked the hospital team for extending medical services to the sanitation workers.

Health check-ups are particularly relevant for sanitation workers because their daily responsibilities involve physically demanding work and regular exposure to waste and other environmental conditions.

MCC Commissioner visits biomedical waste plant

During her visit to Cauvery Hospital, Commissioner Savitha also inspected the hospital’s Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Plant.

She appealed to nursing students to actively participate in the MCC’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and other awareness campaigns.

The involvement of students and other community groups in civic awareness initiatives can help strengthen public understanding of waste management, hygiene and cleanliness.

The hospital also distributed cloth bags to Pourakarmikas as part of the programme. The initiative promoted the use of reusable bags while adding another element to the cleanliness and environmental awareness activities held around Pourakarmika Day.

Focus on dignity and recognition

Pourakarmikas form an essential part of the urban sanitation system, carrying out daily waste collection and cleanliness-related responsibilities across the city. Their work often begins early in the day and continues across residential areas, roads and public spaces.

The Pourakarmika Day programme sought to recognise this contribution and provide a platform for acknowledging their role in maintaining Mysuru’s cleanliness.

The felicitation of representatives from every MCC ward also highlighted the fact that sanitation services depend on the collective efforts of workers across the city’s different areas.

Yaduveer’s remarks that Pourakarmikas are the ‘Ambassadors of cleanliness’ reinforced the importance of recognising sanitation workers as key contributors to the city’s public health and civic environment.

Mysuru’s cleanliness ambitions

Mysuru has previously earned recognition for its cleanliness, and maintaining high sanitation standards requires continued efforts from the civic administration, sanitation workers and citizens.

Yaduveer’s call for Mysuru to regain the ‘Cleanest City’ tag puts renewed attention on the city’s cleanliness goals. However, achieving such recognition depends not only on the efforts of Pourakarmikas but also on waste segregation, responsible disposal, public participation and effective civic management.

The contribution of sanitation workers remains a fundamental part of this process. Their daily work ensures that waste is collected and public spaces receive regular attention.

Events such as Pourakarmika Day provide an opportunity to acknowledge these efforts while also drawing attention to the health, welfare and working conditions of the workforce.

Conclusion

The Pourakarmika Day celebrations in Mysuru brought attention to the vital role played by sanitation workers in keeping the city clean and hygienic. MP Yaduveer Wadiyar described Pourakarmikas as ambassadors and drivers of cleanliness and expressed hope that Mysuru would regain its Cleanest City recognition.

The event at Kalamandira also featured the felicitation of ward-level Pourakarmikas, cultural programmes and a bodybuilding display. A separate health check-up camp benefited around 200 Pourakarmikas, while MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha also inspected the Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Plant at Cauvery Hospital.

The celebrations combined recognition, health support and awareness activities, underlining the importance of sanitation workers to Mysuru’s civic life.