Bengaluru: The #IamBengaluru – Volunteer for Parks initiative is set to enter its second week after a strong start that saw over 500 citizens turn out for 14 activities across the city.This Sunday (Aug 16), volunteers will take part in sapling-plantation drives, plogging sessions and park clean-ups at multiple locations, including JP Nagar, Koramangala and Rajajinagar.A key highlight will be former cricketer and ICC match referee Javagal Srinath, who will join a plogging drive at Mini Forest, JP Nagar Phase 3, and interact with volunteers on caring for Bengaluru and its environment.The movement is also drawing support from educational institutions. Fr Dr Augustine George CMI, vice-chancellor, Kristu Jayanti (deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, associate sponsor, said the association aligns with the university’s mission of developing integrated individuals and contributing to sustainability. “Kristu Jayanti University undertakes a plethora of community-engagement programmes to contribute to society meaningfully and strives to achieve the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.For NGO partner Youth for Seva, the movement is about building lasting civic ownership. Venkatesh Murthy, founder & chief mentor, Youth for Seva, said, “Parks are not just green spaces; they are the lungs and living rooms of our city. #IamBengaluru gives citizens the opportunity to move from being users of public spaces to becoming their custodians.”He added that volunteering does not require expertise, but only time and care. “When citizens say, ‘My park, my responsibility,’ a culture of ownership begins. Bengaluru is a city we collectively own. #IamBengaluru is about turning that sense of belonging into action, one citizen, one park and one neighbourhood at a time.”Want to show up this weekend? Discover volunteering opportunities at iambengaluru.co.in or scan the QR code.
