Every morning at 6 AM, an extraordinary sight unfolds in Sector 49 of Chandigarh, where 88‑year‑old retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police, Inder Jit Singh Sidhu, quietly transforms the neighbourhood with his broom and cycle cart. His mission: to clear the streets of litter, instil civic pride, and lead by example, featured The Tribune.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
A graduate of the 1964 batch of the Indian Police Service, Sidhu retired in 1996 but continued to live in Chandigarh’s Sector 49. Disturbed by the amount of garbage and the city’s slipping standards—especially after seeing Chandigarh fail in the Swachh Survekshan—he decided to act personally rather than wait for authorities to step in.
Borrowing unused carts from sanitation workers, he pushes them through local streets and parks, collecting everything from food wrappers to fallen branches. Despite initial scepticism—some thought he was eccentric—his unfaltering discipline and humility soon earned admiration from across the city.
Daily Routine, Lasting Impact
Sidhu begins his day before dawn with prayers, then takes up his cycle cart to commence cleanup. He repeats the routine later in the evening, ensuring nobody in his housing society is exempt from a sense of responsibility toward their surroundings. “I like when things around you are clean. I have always believed that cleanliness has to come from within,” he says.
Neighbors now take notice. Resident groups, local shopkeepers, and even younger citizens are motivated to pick up trash, segregate waste, or assist Sidhu during his rounds. His selfless efforts have quietly triggered community action without any formal campaign or publicity.
National Recognition, Viral Inspiration
Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a short video of Sidhu on social media, calling him the “quiet warrior of the streets” and declaring, “Purpose doesn’t retire.” The post went viral, amplifying Sidhu’s example nationwide and inspiring others to engage in civic cleanliness personally.
Clean Drive Amid Civic Challenges
Chandigarh recently scored poorly—just 3 stars instead of the targeted 7—in the Swachh Survekshan survey over its handling of legacy waste at the Dadumajra dump site and low source segregation scores. Community initiatives like Sidhu’s offer a hopeful counterpoint: a single individual’s dedication can shape civic behaviour at the grassroots.
Message of Accountability
Sidhu explicitly distances himself from any recognition. For him, sanitation is a burden carried by society—not a chore for municipal workers alone. He urges citizens: “If each one of us takes responsibility for our own surroundings, Chandigarh can regain its reputation as a clean and proud city.”
What Sector 49 Residents Say
Locals admire his consistency and dedication. A security guard recalls seeing him collecting even the tiniest piece of litter. Another resident acknowledges how his actions inspired others to follow suit. Civic groups suggest he might serve as an ambassador—formally or informally—for ongoing cleanliness initiatives in the city.
Why It Matters
Sidhu’s story carries powerful lessons. At 88, he proves that retirement need not mean retreat—service can continue in meaningful ways. Rather than public outreach, he demonstrates that real change often begins with personal action. And when quiet action meets visibility, cooperation follows organically—from shopkeepers to children.
Photo Credit: The Tribune
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