Chandigarh: In a heartwarming recognition of social service, Ex-IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu, 88, has been awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in the “Unsung Heroes” category. Known as the ‘Broom Warrior’ of Chandigarh, Sidhu has devoted decades of his post-retirement life to cleaning the streets of Sector 49 and inspiring civic responsibility.
Early Life and Police Career
Inderjit Singh Sidhu joined the Punjab Police in 1963 as an inspector through the Punjab Public Service Commission. He was promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1981.
Key milestones in his career include:
- City Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (1986) during Punjab militancy
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG), CID Chandigarh, at retirement in 1996
A 1964-batch IPS officer, Sidhu served during a challenging period in Punjab and earned respect for his dedication and integrity.
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The Mission to Clean Chandigarh
Nearly 30 years after retirement, Sidhu began a self-assigned mission to clean the streets of Chandigarh, especially in Sector 49. His efforts began after repeated complaints to civic authorities went unanswered.
Daily Routine: Every morning at 6:00 AM, Sidhu sweeps the streets, collecting garbage using a broom and a rehri (cycle cart).
Philosophy: “There is no shame in cleaning. Cleanliness is next to godliness,” he said.
Community Support: Initially called “crazy,” his initiative has grown into a neighborhood movement, with support from fellow residents and family members.
Sidhu’s efforts align with the Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to maintain Chandigarh’s reputation as the ‘City Beautiful’.
Recognition and Padma Shri
Sidhu’s dedication attracted national attention in 2025 after being highlighted by public figures on social media. In January 2026, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on him, recognizing his decades-long commitment to social service and civic responsibility.
He is celebrated as an “unsung hero”, demonstrating that public service extends far beyond official duties.
Personal Life
- Residence: IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society, Sector 49, Chandigarh
- Family: His wife, Davinder Pal Kaur, passed away in 2023; he has a son in the U.S. and a daughter in Mohali
- Lifestyle: Sidhu leads a simple life, avoids media attention, and does not use a mobile phone
- Inspiration: His dedication to cleanliness traces back to his NCC training during youth, emphasizing discipline and civic duty
Legacy
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s story exemplifies dedication, humility, and social responsibility. At 88, he continues to inspire citizens and officials alike to take personal responsibility for their environment, proving that age is no barrier to public service.
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