Shashi Bhushan Singh, a resident of Dumari Kalan, a small village in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, is relentlessly running a “Swachh Village” mission on his own. His mission started in 2011, a long time before cleanliness received its due through the Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat campaign.
Shashi Bhushan purchased baskets and brooms with the very little money he had and started cleaning the surrounding areas around the village. He started appealing to people to join this great cause of clean, healthy and hygienic India by stopping open defecation and constructing toilets at home.
Sadly, this selfless work of clean and hygienic surroundings did not win him any laurels, but earned him the nickname — Pagla Jhaaruwala (Crazy Sweeper). People in the surrounding areas began to believe that he was jobless, irresponsible towards his family, etc. It was only after the PM’s Swacch Bharat appeal, that Shashi Bhushan’s work and his thinking became the talk of surrounding areas and motivation for many. Today, he wishes to meet with the PM to share his learning. He has already tried to meet with Modiji twice: once in Motihari and once in Patna but couldn’t manage it.
Shashi Bhushan purchased baskets and brooms with the very little money he had and started cleaning the surrounding areas around the village.
Completely oblivious of what people think about him, Shashi Bhushan has continued his journey of cleanliness. He has not only worked in the village but has been marched till Patna with a broom to raise awareness of cleanliness and hygiene in people. On his journey he has cleaned many public places mainly hospitals, schools and administrative offices. He is so dedicated to his work, that he has not taken any full time job to earn a living. His financial condition is getting worse by the day.
Many newspapers and TV channels have covered his story, and this has brought in recognition for the cause. But unfortunately, nobody has come forward to help him eke out a living from his chosen field He keeps on visiting and cleaning different places but he is in serious financial trouble. He needs very little money and has no regular source of income.
We the original residents of Dumari Kalan have supported him whenever we can. But a regular income has eluded him. We now appeal to all, including individuals, Government, Policy Makers, Politicians, Corporates, CSR Divisions, Swacch Bharat Mission, etc., to please step forward and help him with whatever little you can. This man is a hope for the future and an inspiration for many and let’s come together to make sure that his sacrifice does not go waste.
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