About the Cleanliness Drive
On April 27, 2024, the global nonprofit Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP) organised a mega drive titled 'Earth Day—Every Day with DSNDP.'
The event drew over 300 DSNDP volunteers from 29 states across the United States, as well as from Mexico, Canada, and India.
These volunteers simultaneously served 21 iconic locations across New York City's Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as in New Jersey's Middlesex, Union, and Somerset Counties.
Under the guidance of founder Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and the leadership of founder Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari, DSNDP volunteers dedicated 900 volunteer hours of cleanliness and tree conservation efforts, collectively collecting 258 bags of trash, totaling approximately 4,000 pounds.
Two high-visibility 100 ft x 100 ft billboards at the iconic Times Square aired DSNPS’s video worldwide and a video exemplifying DSNDP’s grassroots community service across the country and the world was also broadcasted 360 times on loop on a 50 ft x 20 ft billboard throughout the event day.
The event was graced by elected government officials Senator Angela V. McKnight (D),
Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D); Chairperson Anthony L. Romano Jr. (D) and Council
President Joyce E. Watterman (D). The officials appreciated DSNDP’s contributions to
nationwide efforts made by thousands of volunteers driving these state-run programs.
“I want to thank you for all that you continuously do. I am just full with so much joy,” Senator
Angela V. McKnight (D-31) said while inaugurating this event. She added “I look forward to
being here to hear that you touched a 1000 cities,” motivating the attendees.
NJ State Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-32) commended the remarkable efforts of Dr.
Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan and conveyed her sincere gratitude to the founders
Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari for their visionary
leadership and unwavering commitment to addressing these pressing social and environmental
issues. In addition, she noted, “DSNDP’s cleanup and tree conservation drives across the USA
have not only helped in preserving our natural resources, but they’ve also saved the government
thousands of dollars. This is a testament of the power of collective action.”
Chairperson Anthony L. Romano Jr. (D-5), told the attendees that he appreciates Indian
culture and said “what DSNDP has accomplished so far working with the government initiatives
is truly amazing” while encouraging DSNDP volunteers to support local community drives in
Hoboken and Jersey City.
Council President, City of Jersey City, Joyce E. Watterman, acknowledged DSNDP’s
volunteer time during the inauguration and said “we do not want to take that for granted.”
Furthermore, she added, “I see you’re more conscious of this earth than any culture that I have
ever seen so far.”
This drive was hosted by DSNDP to inspire human collaboration every day to reverse the
existential threats of rapid climate change and biodiversity loss. As scientific research
continually reports, we don’t have decades to tackle the climate crisis, DSNDP is optimistic that
together we can mend our reciprocating, beautiful, diverse planet.
