Bengaluru: Students were the majority of participants at The Times Of India’s #IamBengaluru – Volunteer for Parks, bringing youthful energy to a range of clean-up, waste management and community efforts across the city. The initiative is presented by Multigen, in association with Kristu Jayanti University, and supported by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).At Jakkur lake park, Jala Poshan Trust led a de-weeding activity, while Youth for Seva organised a waste segregation and clean-up drive at Motappa Park, Rajajinagar and a plogging activity at BDA Park, Doddakallasandra. The activities saw students and young volunteers take part in hands-on efforts to improve public spaces around them.For many of the young participants, the experience also offered a different way of engaging with Bengaluru’s parks, which they described as spaces to unwind, spend time with friends and escape the pace of city life.Darshanan, student, Presidency College, said, “I have grown up playing in parks and staying active, but this was my first time volunteering for a clean-up. It was encouraging to see people come together to care for the surroundings and contribute to the community.”Viraj, UG student, added: “Bengaluru’s parks are a great escape from city life, which is why seeing plastic waste in them is especially disappointing. Today’s activity showed how cleaning these spaces can be both meaningful and enjoyable, while reminding us why they need our care.”Hitesh, student, St. Francis College, Koramangala, said, “Parks give us a place to spend time with friends and step away from the social media world. I enjoyed volunteering with my friends today, and I think initiatives like #IamBengaluru can make an even bigger impact by bringing more young people into the movement.”Dhruti B, Project Evara, NPS Rajajinagar said volunteering is a small but meaningful way of giving back and recognising that keeping spaces – enjoyed by everyone – clean should be a shared responsibility.Sadhiya, student, Doddakallasandra, said, “Today’s activity made me understand the everyday challenges faced by the people who actually clean and maintain our public spaces. Volunteering not only gets us involved, but also makes us more conscious about hygiene and spreading awareness.”
