
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
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
MCC NEET UG counselling 2025 registration underway: Check list of required documents, guidelines, and application deadline here
MCC NEET UG counselling 2025 underway at NEET UG Counselling 2025 for the All‑India Quota and central institutions has formally commenced, with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) opening Round 1 registration on July 21, 2025. Qualified aspirants who cleared NEET UG 2025 are now eligible to apply online via for MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and allied courses under the 15% All‑India Quota, central universities (AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, DU, AMU, ESIC, AFMC), and deemed universities. Students eligible for round 1 can register online till July 28, 2025 at the official website of MCC. Once the registration process is completed, the counselling authorities will release the seat allotment list based on the admission cut off and performance of the applicants. NEET UG counselling round 1 schedule 2025 As per the official schedule released by MCC, the round 1 NEET UG counselling schedule is provided below: Registration and fee payment: July 21 to 28, 2025 Choice filling: July 22 to 28, 2025 (final locking window from 4 pm to 11:55 pm on July 28) Seat allotment process: July 29 to 30, 2025 Seat allotment result declaration: Provisional and final results released on July 31 Reporting to institutes and document verification: August 1 to 6, 2025 Additional rounds (Round 2, Round 3/mop‑up, stray vacancy round) are scheduled between August 9 and October 3, 2025, depending on seat availability and vacancy conversion between AIQ and state quotas. Participants can check the complete NEET UG counselling schedule here . NEET UG counselling steps and fee structure Eligible candidates must visit the official MCC portal ( and click on the 'New Registration 2025' or 'UG Medical Counselling' tab. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo They must enter NEET UG roll number, name, DOB, and security code; create a password; fill personal, academic, and NEET details; upload a photograph, signature, and required documents; pay fees; and print the confirmation page. Fee structure for AIQ/Central Universities: General/Economically Weaker Section: Rs. 1,000 registration fee (non‑refundable) + Rs. 10,000 refundable security deposit Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Classes/Person with Disabilities: Rs. 500 (non‑refundable) + Rs. 5,000 refundable deposit Deemed Universities (all categories): Rs. 5,000 registration fee + Rs. 2,00,000 refundable deposit Choice filling and locking guidelines Between July 22 and 28, candidates must enter their college and course preferences in the portal. Choices must be reviewed carefully and locked within the specified window (between 4 pm and 11:55 pm on July 28); once locked, they cannot be edited. Failure to lock as per schedule may result in being ignored in allotment. Required documents At the time of reporting to the allotted institute (offline), candidates must carry both originals and copies of the following: NEET UG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard Class 10 and 12 mark sheets & certificates (or DOB proof from 10th) Valid government-issued photo ID (like Aadhaar, passport, PAN card) Six to eight passport-size photographs (same as uploaded online) Caste/category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), PwD certificate if applicable Provisional allotment letter Migration or domicile certificate if required (especially for state quotas) Medical fitness certificate (if requested) MCC NEET counselling guidelines Students participating in the NEET UG counselling process are advised to check the following guidelines issued by MCC before registering online. Use the same mobile number/email as submitted to NTA during NEET registration, as OTPs and login credentials are sent there. No alternate communication channels or offline mode are allowed. Keep checking the MCC website for updates; no direct communication is sent to candidates. It is considered candidates' responsibility to monitor the portal. Failure to adhere to deadlines, submission of incorrect/incomplete documents, or not locking choice may result in forfeiture of seat or counselling opportunity. After seat allotment, candidates can resign online if they choose not to join. Ensure the resignation is generated through the portal, otherwise it will be considered invalid The MCC NEET UG Counselling 2025 Round 1 is now live from July 21 to 28, with clear procedures and document protocols. Candidates are urged to act promptly, upload correct documents, fill and lock choices on time, pay the right fees, and stay updated via to secure their preferred medical or dental seats smoothly. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
MHT CET 2025 final merit list released for PCM, PCB group: Check direct link and what to do next here
The State Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) Cell, Maharashtra, has released the MHT CET 2025 final merit list for candidates in the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) groups. Candidates who registered for the exam can now access and download the final merit list through the official websites. The release marks an important phase in the admission process for students aiming to secure seats in undergraduate courses across the state. Candidates who have been allotted seats in the merit list must take immediate action to confirm their acceptance. To finalise their admission, they need to submit an option form between July 26 and July 28, 2025. The provisional list reflecting any changes will be published on July 31. Steps to check the MHT CET 2025 final merit list Candidates can view the final merit list by following the steps as given here: Step 1. Go to one the official websites; or Step 2. On the homepage, locate and click the link for the MHT CET Final Merit List 2025 . Step 3. Enter your login credentials, including your roll number and date of birth (or password). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Step 4. After entering the required details, submit the information and download the merit list for future reference. Alternatively, candidates can click here to check their results. MHT CET 2025 final merit list: Seat acceptance and option form submission Once candidates check the final merit list, those who have been allotted seats will need to confirm their acceptance. The MHT CET Cell has specified that candidates must log in to their designated portal and submit their option form. This must be done between July 26 and July 28, 2025. It is imperative for candidates to complete this step within the given timeline to ensure their seat is confirmed. The option form submission process is a critical part of the admission process, as it indicates a candidate's preference and willingness to accept the seat they have been allotted. Without completing this step, candidates may lose their seat allocation. MHT CET 2025 counselling process The counselling process for MHT CET 2025 began on June 28, 2025, and concluded on July 14, 2025. Candidates who did not register during the stipulated period can still apply for Non-Centralised Admission Process (Non-CAP) seats. However, these applications will not be considered for the CAP (Centralised Admission Process), which is the primary method for allotting seats. Candidates interested in Non-CAP seats should consult the official websites for further details. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Early Hawaiian petroglyphs on a beach are visible again with changing tides and shifting sands
Early Hawaiian petroglyphs on a beach are visible again (Image: AP) WAIANAE: Hawaiian petroglyphs dating back at least a half-millennium are visible on Oahu for the first time in years, thanks to seasonal ocean swells that peel away sand covering a panel of more than two dozen images of mostly human-looking stick figures. The petroglyphs are easy to spot during low tide when gentle waves ebb and flow over slippery, neon-green algae growing on a stretch of sandstone. This is the first time the entire panel of petroglyphs are visible since they were first spotted nine years ago by two guests staying at a bayside US Army recreation centre in Waianae, about an hour's drive from Honolulu. Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila, who traces his lineage to the aboriginal families of this coastal Hawaii community, said he believes the resurfacing of the traditional marvels are his ancestors sending a message. "It's telling the community that the ocean is rising," said Kila, a recognized expert on the local culture and history of Waianae who is consulting with the Army on the protection of the petroglyphs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo Army officials are trying to balance protecting the petroglyphs with their accessibility on a public beach. John and Sandy Stone consulted tide charts and drove about 30 minutes from their home early Tuesday to get a glimpse after a watching a local TV report about the petroglyphs. "It was so interesting to touch them," said John Stone, who splits his time between Hawaii and California. "It felt interesting to kind of have a connection with the past like that." It is difficult to date petroglyphs, but an archaeological site in the area is from about 600 years ago, said Laura Gilda, an archaeologist with US Army Garrison Hawaii. According to Kila, Hawaiians arrived in Waianae at least 1,000 years ago. Shift in waves caused petroglyphs to appear The beach here fluctuates in size and profile each year, with low-pressure weather systems that form in the eastern Pacific between May and November causing waves that cut away loose sand from shorelines and redeposit them further out, according to an Army report on the petroglyphs. That shift is likely what causes their temporary exposure. Archaeologists identified a total of 26 petroglyphs. Of the 18 anthropomorphic stick figures, eight are depicted with possible male genitalia and the remainder are of undetermined gender, the report said. The entire panel stretches about 115 feet (35 meters) long, Gilda said. When the petroglyphs first reemerged in July 2016, it was after late spring and early summer storms, including hurricanes, with a lot of wave action that swept the sand away, Gilda said. They remained visible for a period and then got covered again. "So there's been portions that have ... been exposed since then, but this is the first summer that the whole panel has been exposed again," Gilda said. Petroglyphs are telling a religious story, expert says Based on the teachings Kila learned, the lineal petroglyphs appear to be telling a religious, ceremonial story. He interprets the largest figure, which appears to include hands and fingers with one arm raised and the other down, to represent the rising and setting sun. Kila said that when the military in the 1930s took over the area and evicted Native Hawaiians, including his family who lived there for generations, his great-great grandmother refused to leave so his family exchanged mountain lands with a coffee plantation so she could remain near the bay. In an interview included in the Army's report, he recalled growing up in Waianae without television. So "the ocean and mountains were our playground," he said. The Army recreation centre was off-limits to the public, and the seawall was the barrier between Native Hawaiians and the military, Kila said. Kila, now 72, recalled that if they walked on top of the wall, they were clubbed and pushed off by military police. "We were proud and knew where we came from, so we never fostered any hatred for the military because one day we believed that the land will eventually return to us," he said. Kila, while visiting the petroglyphs earlier this week, told The Associated Press that the Army's protection of them represents a shift in that community relationship. Officials have been grappling with how to share the petroglyphs with the community while also protecting them, Gilda said. "How much attention do you want to bring to this area? You don't really want people to go digging for them when they're not exposed," she said. "But they're certainly awesome to come and see on the public beachscape." Donald Kauliʻa, a Native Hawaiian who was born and raised in Waianae, snapped photos of the petroglyphs Tuesday. Seeing them, he said, feels like "validation that our ancestors were from here."