Anand Mahindra Shares Video Of 88-Year-Old Retired Police Officer Cleaning Chandigarh Streets: "Salute"
Sharing the video on X, Mr Mahindra said, 'Apparently, every morning at 6 AM, in the quiet streets of Chandigarh's Sector 49, this 88-year-old retired police officer begins his day in service. Armed with nothing but a cycle cart and an unwavering sense of duty, he moves slowly and purposefully, picking up rubbish from the roadside. He says he wasn't happy with the 'low rank' Chandigarh got in the Swachh Survekshan listing. But instead of complaining, he chooses action.
Watch the video here:
This clip which was shared with me is about Shri Inder Jit Singh Sidhu of Chandigarh.
Apparently, every morning at 6 AM, in the quiet streets of Chandigarh's sector 49, this 88-year-old retired police officer begins his day in service.
Armed with nothing but a cycle cart and… pic.twitter.com/pkDlptoY8f
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 22, 2025
"Each piece of trash he clears is more than just litter removed. It's a statement. A quiet, persistent belief in a better world. A belief in living with meaning, regardless of age or recognition. In a world often obsessed with youth and speed, his slow but steady footsteps tell us that Purpose doesn't retire. Service doesn't age. A Salute to this quiet warrior of the streets," Mr Mahindra added.
Social media users widely praised Mr Sidhu's dedication, hailing him as a true embodiment of the Swachh Bharat spirit. One user wrote, "Such a powerful example. Real change doesn't need power or position—just heart and consistency. Big respect to him."
Another commented, "Setting an example! Urging everyone in Chandigarh to reach Sector 49 every morning to join him for one week and then continue in their surroundings! Can we have 80 Cr free ration people cleaning their surroundings as consideration."
A third said, "He deserves to be the face of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan." A fourth added, "This moved me. 88 and still serving - not out of duty, but belief. No spotlight needed, just a cart and quiet resolve. We need more such heroes, less hollow slogans."
Yet another wrote, "Purpose doesn't need applause. It needs dust, sweat, and silence.This man carries more discipline than an entire city plan."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan commences at Waltair Division
The Waltair Railway Division will be observing 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' from August 1-15, 2025. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra led a Prabhat Pheri with the participation of officers, staff, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, and Swachh Sewaks at the railway station here on Friday (August 1, 2025). Mr. Lalit Bohra emphasised that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to eliminate single-use plastic, ensure effective waste disposal, and create public awareness and participation towards a cleaner environment. The DRM administered the Swachhta Pledge to officers, staff, and the public, who pledged to uphold cleanliness and participate in these activities under the Swachh Bharat Mission. ADRM (Operations) Manoj Kumar Sahoo, ADRM (Infrastructure) E. Santharam, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer and Head of Environment-cum-Housekeeping Management Praveen Bhati, and other branch officers participated. Swachhta Pledge was also taken at Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Rayagada, Koraput, Jagdalpur, Kirandul, Araku, Simhachalam, Duvvada, Electric Loco Shed, Diesel Loco Shed, Coach Care Centre, and other units across the division. The Environment-cum-Housekeeping Management wing will conduct intensive cleanliness drives throughout the division during this period.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
JEs turn watchdogs to take litterbugs to task in Chandigarh
1 2 Chandigarh: With the National Green Tribunal (NGT) breathing down its neck, the Chandigarh administration has rolled out a no-nonsense plan to tackle illegal garbage dumping across the city. In a decisive move, junior engineers (JEs) from both the municipal corporation (MC) and UT administration will now double up as sanitation enforcers — monitoring, identifying, and penalising offenders dumping waste in open, non-designated areas. This crackdown follows a stern NGT review meeting on Wednesday, where the UT chief secretary expressed serious concern over the unchecked spread of garbage. The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) had earlier flagged multiple hotspots of illegal dumping, prompting the administration to rope in engineering staff for frontline enforcement. "JEs will now be the eyes and ears on the ground," said an official. "They will patrol their designated areas and slap penalties on violators as per laid-down norms." To empower them, the administration is preparing to issue special challaning powers, turning engineers into eco-sentinels. Currently, sanitation inspectors handle this task, but limited manpower and infrastructure have hampered results. With 80-100 JEs now joining the mission, authorities expect a significant boost in enforcement and deterrence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo The CPCC, which monitors solid and liquid waste management, acts as a watchdog and regularly reports to the NGT. Its latest findings have added urgency to the city's clean-up efforts, especially with Swachh Survekshan ratings taking a hit due to legacy waste issues. STP in Faidan village In another development, the MC is gearing up to set up a second sewage treatment plant (STP) in Faidan village. After awarding the tender for a 750 KLD STP, officials say the area's needs demand a second facility. "The engineering department of the MC has been asked to start the process of this second STP as soon as possible," sources said. The engineering wing of the MC recently allotted a tender for a 750 KLD capacity STP along Faidan and asked the company to complete the work in a period of six months. With the NGT set to review Chandigarh's waste management status in Sept, the administration is racing against time to clean up its act — literally and figuratively.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Madurai corpn goes rangoli way to check waste dumping
Madurai: In an attempt to clean up its act after the poor showing in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, Madurai corporation has rolled out a mix of creative and enforcement-driven initiatives to tackle its long-standing garbage problem. Among the most striking efforts is the use of rangoli — colourful traditional designs — at garbage-vulnerable points to dissuade people from dumping waste. The corporation began drawing rangolis at spots notorious for illegal waste disposal, aiming to trigger a behavioural shift through visual appeal and cultural symbolism. "The initiative has been in place for about a month now, and while it's helping reduce waste in some areas, changing public habits takes time," said a senior health official. In certain neighbourhoods, green nets have also been used to enclose dumping spots, and saplings have been planted to reclaim and beautify these areas. J Abisekh, assistant city health officer, said the corporation made significant progress in recent months. "The rankings released this year were based on 2024 data. Since then, we've made major improvements in cleanliness. The number of garbage-vulnerable points dropped from 1,152 to 749 in the last four months," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ClarityPro Micro CIC Rechargeable: $97 For Today Only ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo "Apart from ongoing issues with sanitary workers, all other parameters improved — we increased collection vehicles and are issuing more fines for violations," he added. Strict enforcement is another improvement of the city's renewed efforts. Fines are being levied on uncovered construction sites, debris-laden vehicles, and repeat waste offenders. Officials say fines of up to ₹1 lakh will be imposed on those who repeatedly flout norms. Recently, the corporation also mandated green nets to be installed around construction sites and cover construction material-laden vehicles. The corporation has approved installation of 80 AI-powered cameras to monitor overflowing garbage bins and improve clearance response times. The project, part of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) by State Planning Commission, will be implemented in the next two months at a cost of ₹75 lakh. The corporation also recently launched a QR code-based tracking system in south zone. Around 200 QR codes have been installed across 18 wards to monitor movement of sanitary workers and offer residents a channel for grievance redressal. "The system works, but people need to know what it's for. We're planning better outreach," a senior official said. Residents and civic activists while welcoming the mixed approach said more consistency is needed. N Nagendran, a resident of Nethaji Street, said that while waste dumping has reduced, the problem hasn't gone away entirely. "The rangoli is drawn once or twice a week. It helps, but some people still dump waste — the change has to come from the people too," he said. M Raj Kumar, a civic activist, said such initiatives have been tried successfully in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. "It's good to see Madurai replicating these ideas. But unless the daily garbage collection improves — especially with so many worker protests — the impact will be limited. In some wards, five workers are assigned, but only two or three report for duty," he added.
