On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Sao Paulo, the Indian Consulate General, and the City of Guarujá joined forces to host the “Mega Beach Clean Up” cleanup initiative.
The campaign was a worldwide initiative of India’s G-20 presidency, and Brazil was its main target because it will succeed India as the G-20 Presidency in September 2023.
Around 9:30 in the morning, SVCC director Dr. Jyoti Shukla, City Hall secretary, and other staff members arrived at the beach under the direction of Indian Consul General (CG) Manisha Swami. Also present were Indian consulate diplomats and their families. Shobhan Saxena, the president of the Indian Association (IASP), and Vijay Bavaskar, the cultural director, joined the effort at the beach of the tourist destination known for its beauty and cuisine. Adarsh Mishra, the consul, as well as other representatives from the Consulate, attended the ceremony with the Head of Chancery, Harish Baxla.
“It is a matter of great significance that we have organized this campaign in Brazil today as our leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula, met at the G-7 meeting in Hiroshima, Japan,” CG Manisha Swami said in her speech to the crowd at Praia das Asturias beach in Guarujá. The advertising represents the expanding collaboration between our two nations. The head of the Indian mission in Sao Paulo praised City Hall, IASP, and other campaign volunteers.
The secretary of City Hall praised the Indian Consul General and local volunteers for their idea before the group of Indian authorities, community members, and volunteers started collecting green bags and blue gloves to start the beach-cleaning action. “We always welcome you to the city. It is your home,” the secretary remarked, noting that the Indian Consulate will be conducting a Yoga Day celebration in the seaside town on Saturday, May 27.
