Chandigarh, July 22: Every morning at 6 AM, when most people of his age go for a walk, 88-year-old retired police officer Inder Jit Singh Sidhu takes a handcart (rehri) and walks through Sector 49 in Chandigarh, picking up garbage. Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, Anand Mahindra also praised the dedication of the elderly and shared the video on his social media account and called him "quiet warrior of the streets."
He said in the post, "This clip which was shared with me is about Shri Inder Jit Singh Sidhu of Chandigarh. Apparently, every morning at 6 AM, in the quiet streets of Chandigarh’s sector 49, this 88-year-old retired police officer begins his day in service."
Anand Mahindra Showers Praise
He further said, "Armed with nothing but a cycle cart and an unwavering sense of duty, he moves slowly and purposefully, picking up rubbish from the roadside. He says he wasn’t happy with the ‘low rank’ Chandigarh got in the Swachh Surekshan listing. But instead of complaining, he chooses action."
He also said in the post, "Each piece of trash he clears is more than just litter removed. It’s a statement. A quiet, persistent belief in a better world. A belief in living with meaning, regardless of age or recognition."
Anand Mahindra further stated, "In a world often obsessed with youth and speed, his slow but steady footsteps tell us that Purpose doesn’t retire. Service doesn’t age. A Salute to this quiet warrior of the streets."
'Chandigarh Ranked Second In Cleanliness'
Inder Jit Singh told ANI, "I like a clean place, so I try to clean. It will be good if the parking at this market area is clean... If you visit any foreign country and look at their floors, they are generally very clean, but this is not the case in India. In the competition for cleanliness across India, Chandigarh has ranked second... Chandigarh is famous for its cleanliness and beauty..."
Who is Inderjit Singh Sidhu?
Inderjit Singh Sidhu is originally from Bugra village in Dhuri tehsil of Sangrur district, Punjab. He has one son and one daughter. His son lives in the United States with his family and his daughter is married and lives in Mohali. His wife, Davinder Pal Kaur, passed away in 2023, two years ago.
Sidhu started his career in 1963 when he was selected as an Inspector through the Punjab Public Service Commission. He was promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1981. In 1986, during the time of terrorism, he served as City SP in Amritsar. Later, he moved to Chandigarh and became DIG (CID). He retired on December 31, 1996, and has been living in a housing society in Sector 49, Chandigarh, ever since.
