Among the distinguished recipients of the Padma Awards this year (2026) was Inderjit Singh Sidhu, a retired police officer from Chandigarh who transformed an ordinary act of cleaning streets into an extraordinary mission of civic responsibility. His story is not merely about cleanliness; it is about discipline, humility, and the belief that every citizen has a duty toward society.
Inderjit Singh Sidhu – DIG to Broom Warrior
Inderjit Singh Sidhu served in the Punjab Police for decades and eventually retired as a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in 1996. During his career, he was known for professionalism, discipline, and commitment to public service. However, it was after retirement that he became a widely admired public figure. While many people spend their retired years seeking comfort and rest, Sidhu chose a different path — one that involved waking up before sunrise and cleaning the streets of Chandigarh with his own hands.
Inderjit Singh lived in Chandigarh’s Sector 49 area, where he often noticed garbage lying unattended on roadsides and public spaces. Disturbed by the lack of civic discipline and ineffective waste management, he initially complained to local authorities. When no meaningful change occurred, he decided not to wait for others but to take action himself. Therefore, he picked up a broom and got on with act of cleaning. Every morning, regardless of weather or age, he swept roads, collected litter, and transported waste for proper disposal using simple tools such as bags and carts.
At first, many people were surprised to see a former senior police officer performing what some considered a menial task. A few even mocked him or called him “crazy.” Yet Inderjit remained undeterred. He believed that no work done for society is small and often repeated the saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Over time, his consistency and sincerity won public admiration. Residents began supporting his efforts, and his work slowly inspired others in the community to become more conscious about maintaining clean surroundings.
What makes Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s story especially inspiring is that he never sought fame or recognition. His work was entirely voluntary. He did not lead large campaigns, seek political attention, or build organizations around himself. Instead, he quietly demonstrated the power of individual action. In an era where many people expect governments or institutions alone to solve public problems, Inderjit Sidhu reminded society that citizens also have responsibilities toward their communities.
His dedication attracted national attention through social media and news reports. Videos of the elderly former IPS officer cleaning streets at dawn touched people across the country. Industrialist Anand Mahindra publicly praised him, describing him as proof that “purpose doesn’t retire.” His example resonated deeply because it showed that age is not a barrier to meaningful contribution. Even in his late eighties, Sidhu displayed remarkable energy, discipline, and determination.
Earlier this year, Bharatiya Government recognized his contribution to social service by awarding him the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. He was included among the Unsung Heroes honoured during the Republic Day awards announcement. Interestingly, reports noted that even after receiving the call informing him about the Padma Shri, Sidhu quietly continued his daily cleaning routine instead of celebrating publicly. This simple response reflected his humble personality and genuine commitment to service. It shows he isn’t chasing fame.
An Unsung Hero Who Inspires
The life of Inderjit Singh Sidhu carries several important lessons for modern society. First, it teaches that leadership is demonstrated through action, not merely words. Sidhu did not wait for ideal conditions or for others to take initiative. He acted himself. Second, his example highlights the importance of dignity of labour. By personally cleaning streets despite having held a prestigious position in the police service, he challenged social attitudes that look down upon manual work. Third and most importantly, his story emphasizes the role of individual responsibility in nation-building. Clean cities and healthy public spaces cannot be achieved solely through government schemes; they require active participation from citizens.
Singh’s contribution also aligns strongly with the broader goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Bharat’s national cleanliness movement started by PM Modi on 2 October 2014. Yet what made his effort unique was its deeply personal nature. As stated earlier, he was not motivated by awards, salaries, or publicity. He was driven by conscience and civic pride.
Today, Inderjit Singh Sidhu stands as a symbol of selfless service and active citizenship. His Padma Shri is a recognition of the values he represents, that is humility, discipline, perseverance, and social responsibility. In a world often dominated by complaints and indifference, his life reminds us that meaningful change can begin with a single person holding a broom and deciding to care.
(Featured Image Source: India TV)
