Anand Mahindra praises 88-year-old IPS officer for leading a cleanliness drive in Chandigarh, says ‘Purpose doesn't retire'
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
This is the Only State in India Without a National Park…..Can You Believe It?
While there are over a 100 national parks dotted across India, there is one state that has no national park at all. It's a difficult guess but then here's the surprising name and it is Punjab ! Yes, you read that correctly. It is true that whenever we mention India's wildlife diversity, we think of Bengal tigers in Madhya Pradesh, elephants in Jim Corbett, and rhinos in Assam. But considering there are more than 100 national parks and over 550 wildlife sanctuaries in India, Punjab does surprised . So let's find out some crucial reasons behind Punjab not having a national park: Punjab: Granary of India It's a fact that Punjab has extremely fertile land because of which it is also known as the 'Granary of India'. The vast agricultural lands contribute to the country's food production. But it is quite surprising that the state till date has no designated wildlife protection area, Wildlife sanctuaries: However, there are some wildlife sanctuaries in Punjab including: Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala districts. It is also a fact that Punjab has one of the lowest percentages of forested areas in the country. Bir Moti Bagh Sanctuary, Patiala These might be relatively small in size but each is beautiful! But these are so small that they can never qualify as a national park. To get the designation of a national park, the sanctuary requires a larger ecosystem and higher levels of protection under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jennifer Garner: From Farm Girl to Hollywood's Sweetheart Watch More Undo Possible reasons for no National Park Well there are might be several reasons contributing to this: High population Urbanisation Agricultural land, and little undisturbed forest area Industrial development Despite all these, Punjab has managed wetland conservation. Harike here is the best example for this as it is a crucial Ramsar Site attracting thousands of birds every winter. Some of the most spotted birds here include Common Myna, Rock Pigeon, Red-vented Bulbul, and Rose-ringed Parakeet, among others. Well, given the state's agricultural significance and water resources, the state plays an important role in migratory bird routes. There is a strong case for at least one national park to be developed in Punjab. So next time someone asks you about Indian geography, you'll can surprise everyone with your knowledge: India's only state without a national park is Punjab!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Get a sapling at 2, plant a tree
1 2 Ludhiana: Now residents of the city can get saplings for as little as Rs 2 from the divisional forest office here. With 18 lakh saplings kept in 31 nurseries spread across the district, the forest department has set a target of planting over 1,50,000 of these in July and August. These saplings would have otherwise cost them Rs 20-Rs 25, if bought from the open market. DFO (Ludhiana) Rajesh Kumar Gulati said, "About 88% of the plants that were planted in the district last year have survived. Encouraged by that, we are aiming at planting 1,53,000 saplings this year." Confirming that the department is giving out saplings for Rs 2, the DFO said, "Punjab govt took this decision to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur. Any NGO or individual willing to plant trees can approach us at the office or visit any of the 31 nurseries we have in the city." The forest officer further said as per govt instructions, for any NGO that wants to take more than 1,000 saplings, officials will first visit and inspect the area where they intend to plant the trees. Only after they find that the respective NGO has enough space for plantation, the saplings will be provided. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cyprus investments might be cheaper than you think Cyprus Investments | Search Ads Get Info Undo Gulati said, "The district administration is also promoting plantation in a big way. Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain has already conducted three meetings with the representatives of departments such as the police, Glada, Ludhiana municipal corporation, the National Disaster Response Force, defence, health and also PAU, among others. These departments have sought 6 lakh saplings of which 2 lakh have already been planted. " He urged those willing to plant trees to do so with utmost care.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Down the decades, Jim Corbett in TOI
Representative image NEW DELHI: Jim Corbett, whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated, was a hero and a redeemer for the hill-folk of Kumaon and Garhwal in the 1920s and 1930s colonial India. But the hunter-turned-conservationist got written about nationally and became a global literary star only after his debut book, 'Man-Eaters of Kumaon' came out in 1944. He was 69 then. 'It is safe to say that no journalist could have written 'a jungle thriller' of more absorbing interest than this classic by Jim Corbett, which is undoubtedly the best thing of its kind since 'Man-Eaters of Tsavo,' The Times of India review in Sept 1944 said. 'Man-Eaters of Tsavo' (1907), a tale of two terrorising lions in east Africa, was written by hunter John Patterson and was filmed decades later as 'The Ghost and The Darkness' (1996). The review further said that 'what Jim Corbett doesn't know about tigerland and tiger habits isn't worth knowing…' and pointed out that 'the author is giving the whole of his royalties to St Dunstan's hostel for blinded Indian soldiers (in World War II).' 'Man-Eaters of Kumaon' was also a choice for the 'Book of the Month' club in the USA. 'Probably this is the first book published in India to be so honoured,' noted a TOI article in November 1945. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Legendary Stars: Timeless Icons Suburban Finance Undo TOI described his second book, 'The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag', as a 'masterpiece of suspense.' But also said that the book was 'greater' and 'deeper'. 'It is inspired throughout by deep human pity and an understanding of what this terrible enemy meant to thousands of poor folk,' the Nov 1945 review said. Corbett stayed connected with India long after he migrated to Kenya. In 1955, he weighed in on Ramu, the controversial 'wolf' boy, which was published in TOI. The engagement was reciprocated. Letters were written to the TOI editor, some decades after his death. In 1960, SA Bashir from Ahmedabad wrote that Corbett's 'My India' should be prescribed as 'a rapid reader for matriculation or intermediate students.' In 1975, his birth centenary year, Dr AS Kothari wrote, 'No other foreigner loved India so much as this great Englishman ... We should name Bombay's national park after Jim Corbett and publish cheap books on the wildlife of India to commemorate him.'
