Cleaning up the city with Gloria Patri

 

Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): In an attempt to set an example for issues of public health and cleanliness, a team of youth under the banner ‘Gloria Patri’ start out every morning at 5, for the past 13 days, to clear garbage dumps, clean up the streets and drains of Dimapur town. They plan to carry on this activity in different parts of Dimapur until May 31 and have invited citizens to join them in this endeavour. 

 

The mission was taken up by this team with the slogan ‘Cleanliness Is Good’ as part of Gloria Patri, a 30-day worship event, which is being held here at Life’s Spring Corner. 

While these young doers hope that people would emulate their actions, they also know that for the cleanliness drive to have any long-term effect, it needs the participation of every single person. They have appealed to people to embrace the city as their own and to practice a sense of ownership by doing their bit in keeping their area clean; on their own or by arranging cleanliness drives in their communities, localities, etc. 

Some of those who took part in the drive had this to say of their experience:
Pastor Alex of International Pentecostal Church, Dimapur, who has been living in Dimapur for the past 3 years, came to know of the cleanliness drive through newspapers. He said, “Everyday while riding on my bike, dust would get into my eyes, which is very annoying as well as harmful. I have had it in my mind for some time to start a cleanliness drive on my own, so when I came to know of this one, I was more than happy to join in.”
Tia, a government servant said, “It feels good coming and cleaning the city every morning and seeing the changes, and I want to see the city even cleaner in the days to come.” Sharing about his expectation from the public and the administration, Tia said, “I believe they are seeing what we are doing so I expect them to put more effort to help us keep the city clean.”

Yothingla Kasar, a Lawyer, came to know about the drive from friends in her church. “Usually we walk around not thinking about how difficult it is to keep the city clean. Coming here and experiencing all this I have come to realise that we should be very careful where we throw our garbage. It’s very humbling work, I should say; and coming here and working is a blessing. It is overwhelming because we are doing something for the city.” 

Manine, a student who has been regularly coming to Gloria Patri joined the cleanliness drive as well. Speaking about the motivations that make her come every day, Manine said, “I want to see Dimapur clean. It’s all for a good cause, and personally, it’s also a good experience.” 

Tali Angh, musician/worship leader, said, “Growing the sense of ownership. Coming and working every morning gives me hands-on experience of becoming more responsible towards my city and instilling in me a sense of belonging and ownership.”

Achi Ao, a Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo worker, said, “We talk about bringing changes in the society but rarely do anything about it. In today’s context, simply practicing pulpit ministry will not be much effective but putting our words into action will bring the transformation, both in our personal lives as well as in the society. Joining hands in cleaning our city is only one small step in that direction.”

 

_____________________________

 

Schedule for the cleanliness drive:

May 16-17    :    City Tower to Metro Hospital
May 18    :    City Tower to Khermahal Junction
May 19-20    :    Khermahal Junction to Hotel Tragopan
May 21-22    :    Dhobinala to Nepali Basti
May 23    :    Nepali Basti junction-PWD junction
May 24-25    :    Flyover
May 26    :    City Tower to Holy Cross junction
May 27-28    :    Holy Cross junction to Deluxe Point
May 31    :    City Tower

The Gloria Patri cleanliness drive and worship time will continue at 5:00am and 5:00pm, respectively, till the end of May. Anyone may join the drive.