Indian organisation cleans up Bolton Play Park for Gandhi’s birthday

Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC) picked up litter at Parkfield Road’s Play Park for Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, October 2.

The OICC helps Indians abroad – especially people from Kerala.

And that day, it was the first organisation to share India’s tradition of “cleaning litter-strewn streets” on Gandhi’s birthday with the UK.

In India, it is a national holiday called Gandhi Jayanti.

Romy Kuriakose, Official Spokesperson and Media In Charge for the OICC (UK), said: “We collected 20 bags of litter that day.

“The park looked very neat and tidy afterward.

“People passing near the park appreciated our effort.

OICC members (front left: Romy Kuriakose, front centre: Shinu Clare Mathews) (Image: Public)

“When we had planned this event, many were willing to participate.

“At first, we were going to conduct it with five to six people, but as support from the community grew, more people joined us.

“Knowing our initiative, Bolton Green Party representative Philip Kochitty also extended their support.

“Numerous volunteers from various parts of Manchester, participated in the service day activities.

OICC members picking litter (Image: Public)

“Shinu Clare Mathews, OICC (UK) National President, began the day with an inaugural address.

“She said that dedicating Gandhi’s birthday to community service sends a powerful message of civic responsibility.

(Image: Public)

“Mahatma Gandhi was a staunch advocate of non-violence and truth.

“He believed in the power of individual action to bring about societal change.

“After the cleaning drive, a Gandhi memorial gathering was held, presided over by OICC (UK) National Vice President Sony Chacko.

“Participants expressed their commitment to upholding the values championed by Mahatma Gandhi, pledging to pass them on to future generations.

“They paid floral tributes to a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

“And then sweets were distributed.”

Shinu Clare Mathews (Image: Public)

The OICC works for the welfare of Kerala’s people living abroad and maintains friendly relations with the nationals of those foreign countries.

Romy said: “It aims to help Indians in distress, especially Keralites, and organise cultural activities to entertain them.

“We have campaigned to help the victims of landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad district.

“Many became homeless, around 230 people died.

“Relief processes are ongoing.

“We are trying our best to help the people affected by the disaster."