Truck driver, a clean example

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. In a befitting example of the quote, 35-year-old Thudimella Mallikarjun, a resident of Alwal in Secunderabad took up cleanliness drives in and around the area as part of his efforts towards keeping the city litter-free.

Speaking to The Hans India, Mallikarjun says, “I always turned up at the municipal office complaining about cleanliness, drainage issues, uneven roads and inadequate water. Then, I realised that instead of waiting for officials to come and do the needful, I myself can take up cleaning of the roads.”

“After all, it is for my society,” he adds, emphasis on ‘my’.A son of ex-service army man, Mallikarjun strongly believes in doing something concrete for the society. A mini truck driver by profession, he was greatly inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abbiyaan . What started six months ago with nine people is now going strong with upto 100 members from neighbouring colonies, his family and a handful of Air Force officials, who join him for the cleanliness drives.

“I spend 50 per cent of my salary towards the cause. Every day, the group meets at 6 am and takes up cleanliness activities in one area,” explains Mallikarjun. “I go around colonies and put up camps to educate people about how one can utilise government schemes, because most of them do not know how the scheme function. I do hope that the government provides us equipment to help with this imitative,” he adds.

Mallikarjun and his team have cleaned slum areas near Alwal. The Good Samaritan has supplied water for the society and cleaned government schools with his own money. One of his team members, Akram is in all awe of his work. “People like Mallikarjun should be encouraged for his role in the society, so that others get motivated for social works,” he reveres.

Mallikarjun’s father was a cook in the army and he too wanted to serve the country, but couldn’t make it. However, his zeal to help the society remained strong, which ultimately led him to this venture. The story of Mallikarjun’s efforts is one of the many inspiring tales that remind us of our duty to the country.

By:Rashmi Kumari