‘Warrior of the streets’ grabs national attention

Day after Chandigarh Tribune highlighted the exemplary contribution of 88-year-old retired Punjab Police DIG Inder Jit Singh Sidhu to keeping the City Beautiful streets clean, the former IPS officer has received national attention.

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He earned praise from several netizens, including Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group. Mahindra shared a video of the retired officer on the “X” platform, picking up garbage from the streets of Sector 49 in Chandigarh. Terming Inder Jit a “warrior of the streets”, he said, “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,” the post read.

Mahindra 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 Survekshan listing. But instead of complaining, he chooses action.

“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. 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.”

The post quickly gained a lot of reaction from the netizens. A user wrote “This moved me. 88 and still serving - not out of duty, but belief. No spotlight needed, just a cart and quiet resolve. We need more such heroes, less hollow slogans:”

Another person said: “These are silent warriors, who don’t ever need any recognition. They work regardless of anyone watching at them or not. These are real heroes.”

A netizen shares, “He proves that true service needs no title or spotlight. His quiet dedication is a reminder that real change begins with action, not complaints. Salute to his spirit.