In a significant move towards environmental conservation and community health, the Rotary Club of Barkur (Zone-3, RI District 3182) organized a Vana Mahotsava coupled with a free distribution of medicinal and fruit-bearing plants. The event took place at 10 AM sharp near the Barkur Post Office, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic participants and distinguished guests.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Ganesh Shetty B., President of the Rotary Club of Barkur, and Mr. Prasad Bhat of Anna Poorna Nursery, Petri. Their leadership set the tone for an event that seamlessly blended environmental awareness with community service.
The occasion was graced by several notable personalities, including Mr. K. P. Kanchan, former Assistant Governor, and Mr. Ashok Shetty, Co-editor of RI District 3182. Dr. B. Dhananjaya, Head of KVK Brahmavar, lent his expertise to the proceedings, while Mr. Harish K., Deputy Range Forest Officer, represented the forest department, underlining the event's environmental significance.
Other distinguished guests included Mr. Mohan Bhat, a progressive farmer, Mr. Srinivas Shettigar, owner of Shettigar Industries, and Mr. Anand Shetty, another former Assistant Governor. The presence of Mr. Subramanya Poojari, President of Swagat Multipurpose Cooperative Society Barkur, and Mr. Sandeep Poojari, an entrepreneur, further emphasized the community-wide support for the initiative.
Members of the Rotary Club, the Rotary Women's Group, and media representatives including Mr. Udaya Achar, Mr. Shivarama Achar Bandimath, and Aarti Giliyar were also in attendance, along with a sizeable gathering of local citizens.
A highlight of the event was the felicitation of Mr. Mohan Bhat, recognizing his contributions as a progressive farmer and his role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The ceremony culminated in a tree-planting activity within the post office premises, symbolizing the event's core message of environmental stewardship. Following this, the organizers distributed a variety of medicinal and fruit-bearing saplings to the public, more than 850 saplings, effectively launching the "Green Barkur" initiative. This distribution aimed to encourage home gardening and increase the green cover in the area, while also promoting the cultivation of plants with health benefits.
Rotarian B. Sudhakar Rao skillfully compered the program, ensuring smooth transitions between various segments of the event. Rotarian Ganesh Shetty extended a warm welcome to all attendees, while Rotarian Ajit Kumar Shetty delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all those who made the event a success.
This Vana Mahothsava and plant distribution event stands as a testament to the Rotary Club of Barkur's commitment to environmental conservation and community welfare. By combining the traditional concept of Van Mahotsav with the distribution of beneficial plants, the club has taken a practical step towards creating a greener, healthier Barkur.
The enthusiastic participation of local officials, entrepreneurs, and citizens underscores the community's growing awareness of environmental issues and their willingness to contribute to ecological conservation efforts. As the distributed saplings grow in homes and public spaces across Barkur, they will serve as living reminders of this successful initiative, promising a greener future for the region.
