MANGALURU: As Rotary Club of Mangalore Central’s ‘Orphanage Olympics’ was proceeding with full swing at Sharada Vidyalaya grounds, a dustbin placed at the venue started overflowing with used plates and cups.
With none bothering to clear it, the dumping continued and within no time, dirty plates and cups lay scattered around the overflowing dustbin. Thirteen-year-old Neelesh from De Mercede Orphanage near Deralakatte stopped playing and picked the scattered plates. He shifted the dustbin overflowing with plates, cups and replaced it with an empty one.
His act did not go unnoticed. What warmed the hearts of Rotarians was that Neelesh tidied the place on his own, without being asked to do so. Rotarians of Mangaluru Central recognised Neelesh’s gesture towards keeping the environment clean.
A beaming Neelesh revealed that he was inspired by Swachh Bharath Abhiyan.
Sudeep from Aloysian Boys’ Home said he was eagerly awaiting this day. “There is no expectation regarding winning prizes. Participation itself is a big thrill to us. I regard today as equal to year-long entertainment,” he said, leaving a lump in many people’s throats.