Gavrala cleanliness committee marks one year of volunteer sanitation work without outside aid

The Karmayogi Gadge Maharaj Swachhata Samiti of Gavrala has completed one year of its work. The committee has not taken help from any local self-government body or outside organisation, and has carried out cleaning work purely out of a sense of social responsibility. An anniversary programme was held with enthusiasm at Rajmani Garden on Railway Station Road.

The initiative began in October 2025. Senior members of the committee step forward and clean up themselves. Members who are over 80 years old also take part in the work regularly. Their selfless service has set an example for society. Drawing inspiration from Sant Gadge Maharaj's ideas of cleanliness, social awakening and social service, the committee kept up the work through the year.

The programme was presided over by Prof Vivek Sarpatwar. The chief guests were senior journalist Dilip Mandhare, national kirtankar Suvarna Tai Pimpalkar, Prakash Pimpalkar, Rajurkar Sir and speaker Vishal Gawande. Senior members Baban Patil Jivtode, Uddhavrao Nile, Shamrao Patil Khapne and Nilkanthji Atram were also present.

Committee president Mangesh Yerme, guide Rajesh Badkhal, organiser Limesh Manusmare and Rameshji Khatkhede attended along with committee members and a large number of women. Badkhal gave the introductory address. Manusmare, the committee's promoter, conducted the programme, and Ajay Bonde proposed the vote of thanks.

On the occasion, the committee's signboard was unveiled at the Gavrala cremation ground premises by senior member Nilkanthji Atram and the programme's president, Vivek Sarpatwar. A resolve was expressed to carry the message of cleanliness to the whole of Bhadravati city and to make the city clean, beautiful and healthy.

It was said that cleanliness is not only the administration's responsibility but the duty of every citizen. Senior citizens have started the initiative on their own, without expecting publicity or outside help, and it is becoming an inspiration for the new generation. President Mangesh Yerme and guide Rajesh Badkhal pledged that Sant Gadge Maharaj's ideas will not stop at tributes but will be carried to society through their work.

A resolve was taken to continue the cleaning service in future. The programme ended with the vision of a "clean Bhadravati, beautiful Bhadravati and healthy Bhadravati" and a cheer for Jagannath Maharaj.