Every morning in Chandigarh’s Sector 49, before the sun rises, a silent warrior wheels his cycle cart, broom in hand, and begins a task many choose to ignore. Not a municipal worker. Not a volunteer hired by an NGO. This is Inderjit Singh Sidhu, a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, now 87, who has taken up the broom out of love for his city and country.

Sidhu begins his day at 6 am sharp, sweeping the streets and collecting garbage, armed with civic pride. With no government support, no fanfare, and no media hype pushing him forward, he represents a quiet revolution.

From Uniformed Duty to Civilian Devotion

A 1964-batch IPS officer, Inderjit Singh Sidhu once commanded respect in uniform, safeguarding law and order. Today, he commands the same, if not more, while dressed in simple clothes, sweeping roads many pass by indifferently. The transition from DIG to street cleaner may seem unconventional, but it’s deeply symbolic.

This isn’t about glorifying a job that many overlook. This is about ownership. When asked why he does it, Sidhu’s response is simple: “The city belongs to us. If we don’t clean it, who will?” His message is loud and clear: True patriotism isn’t confined to the battlefield or the parade ground; it’s in the everyday actions that contribute to a better society.

An 87-Year-Old Spark Igniting Community Spirit

Sidhu’s story goes beyond personal sacrifice; it is a catalyst for community transformation. Residents who initially watched him with curiosity have now joined him. Youngsters, middle-aged neighbors, and even schoolchildren are starting to lend a hand. Sidhu has sparked not just cleanliness but a sense of unity.

His presence has also turned the concept of “retirement” on its head. In a world where aging often signals withdrawal from active life, Sidhu’s action is a wake-up call. It tells us: Purpose does not retire. Public service does not have an age limit. And change does not wait for the perfect plan.

A Salute That Transcends Ranks and Roles

Business tycoon Anand Mahindra took to social media to praise Sidhu, calling him a “warrior,” and rightly so. In a world that celebrates billion-dollar start-ups and viral influencers, Sidhu’s silent, tireless effort is a reminder of the values we often forget: humility, service, and integrity.

This salute isn’t just for his broom. It’s for his courage to step down from a once-powerful position and get his hands dirty for the sake of society. It’s for every senior citizen who feels useless, for every youngster looking for inspiration, and for every Indian who thinks, “What can I do alone?”

Sidhu is the answer. One man, one broom, one street, and now a community moved by his mission.