On May 24th, 2025, volunteers from the Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), a global nonprofit rooted in community service, carried out impactful cleanliness drives across three Ontario cities—Markham, Ajax, and Pickering—as part of its continuing mission to promote environmental stewardship. These efforts brought together 32 committed participants who successfully removed 44 bags of waste equivalent to approximately 660 pounds—helping restore cleanliness and order to all the 3 cities in Ontario.
Since April 2023, DSNDP has led numerous environmental initiatives across Ontario, encouraging civic engagement and sustainability under the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family). These programs are guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari.
The cleanliness drive in Markham was graced by Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Councillor Amanda Collucci, Ward 6 & Chair of the Environment & Sustainability Committee. Mayor Scarpitti commended DSNDP for selecting Markham for its 500th North American event and applauded the organization’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability, unity, and civic values. He highlighted how DSNDP’s philosophy of “the world is one family” aligns with Markham’s diversity and praised the group’s work in empowering youth and women, breaking cultural barriers, and creating a lasting legacy. A special certificate of appreciation was presented to DSNDP on behalf of the Markham city.
Earlier that morning, DSNDP volunteers gathered at Wismer Park, 980 Bur Oak Avenue, Markham, ON L6E 0E1, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for an Adopt A-Park initiative in collaboration with the City of Markham. This effort brought together 17 committed participants, who successfully removed 18 bags of waste, totaling approximately 34 pounds—helping restore cleanliness and order to one of Markham’s valued green spaces.
Later in the day, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, two simultaneous clean-up drives were carried out in Ajax and Pickering, ON.
The cleanliness drive in Ajax was attended by Nancy Henry, Councillor Ward 2, and Marilyn Crawford, Regional Councillor Ward 1. Both councillors appreciated the values promoted by DSNDP and the dedication of its
volunteers. They emphasized the importance of civic responsibility, echoing the guiding principle of the organization: “It is not important what the country has done for me, but what have I done for the country?” They acknowledged DSNDP’s consistent efforts across North America and encouraged its continued growth in Ajax, presenting a certificate in appreciation The councillors encouraged more residents to participate in such initiatives, reinforcing that every effort contributes to a cleaner, greener, and more connected community.
The Adopt-A-Road initiative in Ajax took place along Salem Road (from Rossland Road to Taunton Road), in collaboration with the City of Ajax, where 12 volunteers collected 20 bags of trash, amounting to approximately 300 pounds. At the same time, in Pickering, an Adopt-A-Highway clean-up was conducted along Highway 7 (from Sideline 20 to Brock Road), in collaboration with the City of Pickering, with 3 volunteers removing 6 bags of waste, also totaling around 90 pounds.
As part of its initiatives, DSNDP has successfully organized clean-up drives across 10 cities, engaging 645 volunteers who relentlessly worked for more than 1,295.64 volunteer hours, resulting in the disposal of approximately 16,095 pounds of waste in total. Programs like Adopt-A-Park, Adopt-A
Highway, and Adopt-A-Road have been accomplished multiple times throughout Ontario. The organization has also been actively involved in tree plantation and conservation initiatives with an aim of fostering a balanced ecosystem and promoting environmental sustainability. In Mississauga, tree plantation events were organized twice in 2023, during which 300 trees were planted. Continuing this green initiative, in 2025 DSNDP expanded its environmental efforts in Hamilton, Ontario by carrying out tree plantation drive that led to the planting of 650 sapling, further contributing to ecosystem restoration and long-term sustainability. Additionally, DSNDP has also collaborated with the Canadian Blood Services to organize Plasma Donation drives in July 2022, October 2023, and November 2024.
In recognition of its efforts, DSNDP was honoured with the Civic Pride Award 2024 by the City of Niagara Falls. DSNDP has planned 22 cleanliness drives across 10 cities in Ontario for 2025.
For more information, please visit https://www.dsndp.com
