logo
Anand Mahindra praises 88-year-old IPS officer for leading a cleanliness drive in Chandigarh, says ‘Purpose doesn't retire'

Anand Mahindra praises 88-year-old IPS officer for leading a cleanliness drive in Chandigarh, says ‘Purpose doesn't retire'

Time of Indiaa day ago
Source: X
In an era where civic responsibility is often overlooked, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, an 88-year-old retired IPS officer, has become a beacon of inspiration by personally taking on a cleanliness mission in Chandigarh.
A viral video showing him sweeping the streets and collecting garbage in a cart at dawn has stirred admiration nationwide, including accolades from industrialist
Anand Mahindra
. Sidhu, a 1964 batch officer, is not merely tidying up his neighborhood, he's setting a powerful example of selfless service, civic discipline, and active aging. His daily 6 am routine is a reminder that purpose and public service never retire.
Anand Mahindra praises Chandigarh man's cleanliness drive
Every morning, as the city sleeps, Inderjit Singh Sidhu quietly steps out with a cycle cart, picking up trash from the streets of Sector 49, Chandigarh.
Without any fanfare or government backing, he cleans the locality — not for fame, but for the satisfaction of contributing to a cleaner environment. His actions echo the core message of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, where citizens take ownership of public spaces.
His initiative began out of frustration over Chandigarh's low ranking in the Swachh Survekshan survey. But instead of venting on social media or blaming authorities, he chose to act. The video of Sidhu's efforts caught the attention of Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, who shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter) on July 22, 2025. In his post, Mahindra wrote:
'He says he wasn't happy with the 'low rank' Chandigarh got in the Swachh Surekshan listing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
15 most beautiful women in the world
Topgentlemen.com
Undo
But instead of complaining, he chooses action… a quiet, persistent belief in a better world… Purpose doesn't retire. Service doesn't age.'
Mahindra praised Sidhu's humility, noting that true leadership requires no position or recognition. His praise elevated the video into a national conversation around grassroots action and civic sense.
Social media reactions celebrate
Sidhu's humble leadership
The video quickly garnered widespread appreciation online. Social media users were moved by Sidhu's consistency and humility:
'He proves that true service needs no title or spotlight.
His quiet dedication is a reminder that real change begins with action.'
'Such a powerful example. Real change doesn't need power or position—just heart and consistency.'
This overwhelming response shows how individual acts of service can inspire collective social responsibility and pride.
88-year-old Chandigarh resident
embraces community cleanliness
Sidhu's story defies the common narrative of aging as a time for withdrawal. At 88, he exemplifies how one can stay mentally and physically engaged in meaningful action:
He redefines retirement not as rest, but renewed service to society.
His morning ritual encourages citizens to take responsibility for their neighborhoods.
His approach reinforces that change begins at home — or in this case, right outside one's doorstep. Sidhu hasn't asked for awards, media attention, or even public acknowledgment. His quiet perseverance is a symbol of patriotism in action. His efforts remind us that:
Citizenship is a daily act, not just a legal identity.
Social change begins with everyday people making small but consistent efforts.
Integrity and impact often go unseen but ripple far beyond.
Also Read |
Elon Musk's Tesla Hollywood diner: AI robot, cybertruck meals and other futuristic key features revealed
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rs5 Crore Allocation for Eco-Friendly Crematoriums
Rs5 Crore Allocation for Eco-Friendly Crematoriums

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Rs5 Crore Allocation for Eco-Friendly Crematoriums

Nagpur: The civic body has allocated ₹5 crore in the current fiscal year to install air pollution control systems at major crematoriums across the city. In the first phase, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is installing systems at Gangabai Ghat, Mokshadham, and Manewada crematoriums—locations with high cremation volumes. Other crematoriums will be covered in subsequent phases as part of a broader initiative to make all cremation grounds environmentally sustainable. The initiative was discussed during a recent review meeting of the city-level committee overseeing the implementation of the air pollution control action plan. The meeting, chaired by NMC Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, also focused on expediting other measures aimed at improving Nagpur's air quality. Among the steps discussed, the civic body has proposed an additional ₹2 crore for installing sprinklers in air pollution hotspots. "A trial conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) in densely populated and high-traffic areas—such as HB Town, Lakadganj, Pardi, and other eastern localities—showed that water sprinkling significantly improved air quality," said Shweta Banerjee, superintending engineer (PHE). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "According to Neeri's study, levels of suspended particulate matter dropped markedly with regular sprinkling. Additionally, mechanical sweeping machines deployed in these same hotspots have helped reduce dust pollution, further supporting the city's clean air efforts," she added. To enhance green cover, NMC has earmarked ₹5 crore for 2025–26 for developing new green spaces. The meeting also reviewed plantation and beautification works undertaken in the past three financial years—2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25. The commissioner instructed officials to expedite the completion of ongoing projects and submit detailed progress reports to the state-level air quality control committee. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including additional commissioner Vasumana Pant, chief engineer Manoj Talewar, deputy commissioners Rajesh Bhagat and Ganesh Rathod, as well as representatives from Neeri and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Senior engineers and department heads from the sanitation and garden departments also attended the meeting.

Class 1 admissions stall under Anwesha scheme in Koraput
Class 1 admissions stall under Anwesha scheme in Koraput

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Class 1 admissions stall under Anwesha scheme in Koraput

Koraput: Despite the start of the new academic session, the Koraput administration has not enrolled any new students in Class 1 under the state-run Anwesha scheme, leaving many poor children deprived of the opportunity for quality English-medium education. The Anwesha scheme, launched by the state govt in 2015, aims to provide free education to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in reputed English-medium private schools, with hostel and other necessary facilities fully sponsored by the state. Confirming the development, district welfare officer (Koraput) Sunil Kumar Tandi said, "We have not received any instructions from the govt regarding fresh admissions into Class 1 under Anwesha for the current academic year. Once the directions come, we will act accordingly." Currently, Koraput district has seven hostels under the Anwesha programme, two each in Jeypore, Semiliguda, and Koraput, and one in Laxmipur, with 1,365 children from previous years enrolled in Classes II to X. However, no fresh admissions have been carried out this year. The lack of admissions has sparked concern among parents and rights activists, who fear the delay may deprive an entire batch of eligible children of the scheme's benefits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Japanese hair growth method Hair's Rich Learn More Undo "Every year, we see poor tribal children getting a chance to study in English-medium schools through Anwesha. This year, no such opportunity has been given. The administration must take proactive steps," said Surendra Patnaik, a local education activist. Meanwhile, in the absence of fresh enrolment, activists have raised questions about the continuity and commitment to a scheme that has played a key role in uplifting education standards among marginalised communities in tribal-dominated districts like Koraput. "The govt should initiate the process soon to ensure that no eligible child is left behind," said Harish Muduli, a tribal activist from Koraput.

Copper plates shed light on Kakatiya dynasty's ancestry
Copper plates shed light on Kakatiya dynasty's ancestry

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Copper plates shed light on Kakatiya dynasty's ancestry

1 2 Hyderabad: Archaeological Survey of India's epigraphy division has successfully deciphered a newly discovered set of copper plates from Kodad. These plates reveal the coronation date of Vengi Chalukya king Vikramaditya II and sheds light on the genealogy of the Kakatiya dynasty's early ancestors. According to ASI epigraphy division director K Muniratnam Reddy, the copper plates, comprising three leaves, were recovered from a graveyard in Kodad in Suryapet district. They were now being preserved by the department of heritage, Telangana. The inscription, composed in Sanskrit using Telugu script, was dated Saka 840, Phalguna ba 5, Saturday —corresponding to March 6, 918 CE. The plates bear a seal featuring the 'varaha' (boar) symbol and the legend 'Sri Tribhuvanankusha', confirming the document's origin during the reign of Vikramaditya II, son of Chalukya Bhima I and Vijayamahadevi. Coronation Grant and Military Background You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The inscription records that Vikramaditya II issued a land grant during his coronation to Lokamamba, the widow of Gunda II, the then governor of Kondapalli Vishaya. Gunda II died in battle while supporting Vikramaditya II in a conflict against an usurper named Talapa, who earlier captured and imprisoned the boy king Vijayaditya. The grant refers to this event as 'madrajyabhisekha punyaghosana samaya' — the auspicious occasion of coronation following the reconquest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The land granted was the village of Kovuru in the Kandervadi Vishaya, given in recognition of Gunda II's loyalty and sacrifice. Meanwhile, officials also found Vengi Chalukya king Bhima I copper plate in a graveyard in Kodada. It is presently preserved in department of heritage, Telangana.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store