For years, this senior citizen has patrolled roads and parks, collecting garbage that mars public beauty. Ridicule from passersby hasn’t dimmed his spirit. Often mistaken for eccentric, he shrugs off insults with a focus on his goal: a filth-free environment.

Overjoyed by the honor, Sidhu told reporters, ‘This recognition for someone my age fills my heart with happiness. Thank you, India.’ He dismissed any notion of it being a special message, insisting cleanliness is a basic obligation. ‘People litter because they enjoy it, perhaps. We must hate dirt and act against it.’

Emotion welled up when discussing public scorn. ‘They call me mad while I remove trash—it’s heartbreaking,’ he admitted. Yet, Sidhu’s actions speak louder, serving as a beacon for younger generations to prioritize sanitation at any stage of life.

A viral social media clip from last year captured his dawn patrols, amassing widespread admiration. As Sidhu continues his noble pursuit, the Padma Shri underscores that true change stems from individual commitment.

Chief Minister Sai himself took up a broom and cleaned the premises, conveying the message of cleanliness to the public. He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment around us is a collective responsibility. Various programs will be organized throughout the state during the Swachhta Hi Seva fortnight, and active participation from all citizens is essential.

The first phase (August 2-8) will focus on creating a patriotic atmosphere through public programs and discussions centered around the tricolor. Schools, colleges, and public spaces will be decorated with tricolor-themed art and rangoli. Activities like quizzes on the history of the flag, workshops for making tricolor rakhis, and letter-writing competitions will also be organized. Displays of woven art in the colors of the tricolor will be showcased in public areas.

The second phase (August 9-12) will involve large-scale events in the form of a Tiranga Mahotsav. Awareness programs, Tiranga Yatras, and cultural activities will be held at the community level. This phase will concentrate on community engagement, widespread promotion, flag distribution, and ensuring the visibility of the tricolor in public spaces. Events like Tiranga Melas featuring local products, Tiranga-themed concerts, bike/cycle rallies, Tiranga Yatras with high public participation, the sale and proper arrangement of Tiranga flags, human chain formations, and Tiranga anthems are planned.

The third phase (August 13-15) will center on hoisting the tricolor on homes, offices, and vehicles, along with selfie uploads and ensuring the visibility of the flag everywhere. Information will be continuously exchanged with the Ministry of Culture. Flag hoisting events and other significant programs will take place. The tricolor will be displayed on all government buildings, educational institutions, offices, and public places.

The Madhya Pradesh government has made extensive preparations to ensure the success of the campaign. The Culture Department has issued detailed guidelines to all district collectors. The campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Central Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Ministry of Culture, based on the concept of collective celebration and civic unity, integrating the essence of independence with a commitment to cleanliness and water sustainability. This initiative will contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision by ensuring safe water supply, effective water, sanitation, and health, and improved sanitation in rural areas. Activities related to cleanliness and water conservation will be promoted under this campaign.

Various activities will be organized in villages and Gram Panchayats under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-G) and Jal-Jeevan Mission (JJM). These include Swachh Sujal Gaon pledges, community cleaning drives, cleaning of assets, awareness activities, water conservation efforts, and flag hoisting ceremonies on August 15, 2025, at major WASH infrastructure sites, including Amrit Sarovar and public places. These actions symbolize the freedom, dignity, and well-being brought about by access to safe water and sanitation.

Active participation from districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats will be ensured in this campaign. Local institutions, Gram Jal Seva Samitis, Self-Help Groups, Panchayati Raj institutions, volunteers, and frontline workers will be encouraged to lead and participate in the campaign. Panchayats, Self-Help Groups, school students, Gram Jal Samitis, and frontline workers will be involved. The General Administration Department has issued directives to all Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, and related departments to ensure the success of the campaign.

The campaign extends beyond flag hoisting, bringing patriotism, cleanliness, and environmental protection together. It will be celebrated as a festival in rural and urban areas of Madhya Pradesh, with active participation from school children, youth, and all sections of the community. Tricolor rakhi making and rangoli competitions will promote creativity and patriotism among children and youth.

The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Swachhta: Swatantrata Ka Utsav, Swachhta Ke Sang’ campaign will add a new dimension to the celebration of independence in Madhya Pradesh. It will not only enhance respect for the national flag but also help achieve important social goals like cleanliness and water conservation. The people of Madhya Pradesh are urged to participate with enthusiasm and hoist the tricolor at their homes to strengthen the spirit of patriotism.