HUBLI:

Overflowing drains, spilled-over dustbins and uncleaned roads. This was the scene at the Hamalis’ Colony on APMC premises in Hubli till Ramu Moolgi came to teach in Govt Primary School near the place a few years ago.
Within months of his arrival, Moolgi transformed the premises into a clean and green heaven. “Soon after reaching the place, I realized that I need to do something immediately to change the sad state of the colony,” says Moolgi.

Instead of preaching cleanliness, he rolled up his sleeves and and started cleaning the area. “I wanted to send across a strong message to the poor and illiterate locals. I knew I needed to be one among them to teach them the importance of hygiene and cleanliness and to make some impact on their minds. I didn’t hesitate to dirty my hands,” he says.

He also asked his pupils to rid the place of discarded items like tyres, waste wood and iron rods piled up on the roofs of houses. “Mosquitoes had made these items a safe haven for breeding, causing diseases. Now, the scene has changed drastically,” he says.

Not the one who believes in celebrating Environment Day once in a year, he plants number of trees in and around the school and on APMC premises. “My students also join me in watering the plants everyday. Thus, I have managed to inculcate a sense of feeling for environment among them,” he says. A PhD holder in folklore, he uses folk songs as the medium for spreading the message. “I have written many songs for the purpose, besides staging street plays on green theme,” he says.

Acknowledging his deeds, many organizations and schools have felicitated him. He is a regular invitee in NSS and NCC camps held in the district.

“I have been doing this for the past 12 years. I feel happy when I see a person watering a tree. This keeps me going,” he adds.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TNN / Jun 04th, 2011