Mangaluru: The Make A Change Foundation, under the leadership of its founder and chairman Suhail Kandak, successfully organized the Beach Cleaning Initiative 2025 at Ullal Beach, Mangaluru, on Sunday marking another milestone in its mission towards community welfare and environmental conservation.

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth volunteers, students, local community members, NGOs, and environmental enthusiasts, who came together with a shared vision – to restore the natural beauty of Ullal Beach and spread awareness on the importance of keeping our coastal stretches clean.

Over the course of the event, several tonnes of plastic waste, bottles, wrappers, fishing nets, and other non-biodegradable materials were collected and systematically segregated for recycling and proper disposal. The beach, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dakshina Kannada, was visibly rejuvenated after the massive cleanup effort.

Speaking at the event, Suhail Kandak said: “Beach cleaning isn't just a one-day effort – it's about building a lasting sense of environmental responsibility. We aim to inspire citizens, especially youth, to become change-makers in protecting nature.”

The initiative was also designed as a community celebration of sustainability, with interactive sessions, awareness talks on waste management, cultural performances, and eco-friendly activities. Local residents appreciated the program, stressing that such collective efforts are vital to protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring a clean, safe environment for future generations.

The Make A Change Foundation has been working across Karnataka on issues of environmental protection, youth empowerment, education, and social justice. The Ullal Beach Cleaning adds to its growing list of impactful community initiatives, aligning with its broader vision of building a more responsible and sustainable society.

The foundation extended gratitude to all volunteers, partner organizations, and local authorities who supported the event. It has also announced plans to organize similar clean-up drives and awareness campaigns in other parts of Dakshina Kannada in the coming months.

The initiative was supported by Yenepoya Institutions, Janapriya Hospital, Dream Deal Group and MFC group of Hotels.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.

He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.

Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”

“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”

Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.

The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.

The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.

Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.

The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.

They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.

Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.

Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.

Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”

“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.

Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.

“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.

Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.

“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.

Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”