Bollywood celebrities like Jackie Shroff, Remo D'souza, and Karan Kundrra made it to the 53rd International Film Festival of India on Sunday, November 27, 2022, to speak about the upcoming beach cleanliness drive, 'Clean-a-thon', which will be held on the last day of the film festival in Goa.
The 'Clean-a-thon' will start at 8 am on November 28, 2022, from Miramar beach, Panjim. The beach cleaning drive is organized by the Goa government in association with Divyaj Foundation and Bhamla Foundation.
Founder of Divyaj Foundation, Amruta Fadnavis said that Goa is a paradise and everyone loves to come here. "The cleanliness culture already exists in the State and we are just creating an awareness through the clean-a-thon tomorrow," she added.
Fadnavis also said that a platform like film festival is a great place to create awareness on social causes as news spreads faster. "So, it is important that film festivals propagate social causes. When it comes to cleanliness, the tourists who come here should ensure they leave Goa clean, so that it remains a paradise," she added.
Actor Jackie Shroff was at his humorous best in Hindi when he said Goa was the reason why his children were born. This statement sent media persons and others present into peels of laughter.
He said, "We all keep our houses clean, and, in the same manner, we have an equal responsibility towards mother earth to keep it clean. "Selfishness of those visiting is also the reason why Goa's beaches are left dirty," he added.
Karan Kundrra said that at a time when everyone was talking about renewable energy and sustainability, cleanliness has to be a priority and the event aims to create that awareness. The message of cleanliness is not only for Goa, but for the entire nation, he added.
Dancer and choreographer, Remo D'Souza, also appealed to the people to come and join this initiative in order to support the social cause.