ZisNews - Breaking News & Updates

EX-IPS ship's officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu continues with public serve years after retreat, and in a way of life that many may adjudicate as an odd choice. He has picked up the broom to keep the streets of Chandigarh, protecting its tag of ‘City Beautiful’.At 88 years of age, he has been chosen as one of the 45 Padma Shri awardees in the “unsung heroes” category ahead of the 2026 Republic Day.Sidhu retired as a deputy inspector general (DIG) in the Punjab Police in 1996. Three decades later, his daily self-assigned duties include cleaning up his neighbourhood in Chandigarh’s Sector 49.He gets out every morning at 6 to collect litter from the streets.Living in the IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society, he says he repeatedly complained to civic authorities, but no action was taken.“So I decided to do it myself. There is no shame in cleaning. Cleanliness is next to godliness,” he told news agency ANI last year.Also read: Padma awards: From doctors to tribal artists, see full list of ‘unsung heroes’ honouredCalled ‘crazy’ initiallyThe 1964-batch IPS officer started using a bag or even an abandoned rickshaw to gather waste and dispose of it properly. While it began as a solo effort, with some initially calling him “crazy", it has slowly turned into a neighbourhood movement. Sidhu’s family and fellow residents now support him in his work.According to Sidhu, the ‘City Beautiful’ should aim to take the number one spot in the Swachh Bharat Sarvekshan.“If you visit foreign countries, their streets are spotless. Why can’t ours be the same?” he said.Sidhu doesn't think he is making a significant contribution to society through his cleaning, but he affirmed that it brings him deep satisfaction.“I like a clean place, so I clean. I’ll keep doing it as long as I can,” he told ANI.Inderjit Singh Sidhu went viral on social media last year and even got praised by several celebrities, including industrialist Anand Mahindra.“He says he wasn’t happy with the ‘low rank’ Chandigarh got in the Swachh Survekshan listing. But instead of complaining, he chooses action... A quiet, persistent belief in a better world... Purpose doesn’t retire. Service doesn’t age,” the Mahindra Group Chairman wrote on X.

Global News Perspectives

In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.

Customizable News Feed

At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.

Like or Comment on News

Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.

Download the Android App

For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Diverse News Categories

With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.

Ex-IPS Inderjit Sidhu, 88, on a mission to clean his city's streets by himself, gets Padma Shri

Global News Perspectives

Customizable News Feed

Like or Comment on News

Download the Android App

Diverse News Categories

Category News

Country News