Manipal: Volunteer Services Organization (VSO), Manipal MAHE will organize Daan Utsav, the festival celebrating “Joy of Giving”, with Kidathon a walk for kids under-12 on October 2, 2019. The walk starts at 7.15 am from the University building and will end at KMC Greens. The Mangalore wing of VSO will also be celebrating the festival with a number of activities.

As Kidathon is being held this year to create awareness on plastic ban, the children are expected to bring five single-use plastic items and hand it over to the organizers to register for the walk. “VSO Manipal will also organize week-long activities like washing cars, distribution of sandwiches, smile campaign, wish wall for kids and others, according to Dr Anup Naha,  chief coordinator,” VSO.

The constituent colleges of MAHE are organizing various awareness campaigns in community health, hygiene, sanitation, blood and organ donation. Outreach programs to homes for mentally challenged children, homes for the destitute and elderly are being held.

“Initiatives promoting environmental conservation around the town and fun activities for the security, housekeeping, teaching and non-teaching staff have been planned,” Dr Naha added. The University Town will be lit for the entire week. The idea is to sensitize people about the ‘joy of giving’. Also, to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Dr Naha said that VSO Mangalore will celebrate Daan Utsav with projects like sapling distribution for tree plantation, Aanshi- The CPR drive for students, Mannat- wishing wall to help those in need, Aarohi- A menstrual hygiene awareness drive and a blood donation drive.