Chandigarh's S. Inderjit Singh Sidhu to Receive Padma Shri from President on June 23

Chandigarh, 20 June 2026: Chandigarh resident Shri S. Inderjit Singh Sidhu is set to be conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award by President Droupadi Murmu at a special investiture ceremony to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23.

Shri S. Inderjit Singh Sidhu is an inspirational former IPS officer retired as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) from Punjab police, who widely recognised as the 'Broom warrior. He has earned nationwide admiration for his quiet yet powerful commitment to cleanliness.

Born on 6 June 1938 in Village Gagarpur, District Sangrur, Punjab, Shri Sidhu  led a life defined by discipline, integrity, and unwavering public service. After graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from Government Ranbir  College, Sangrur, he obtained a Master's degree in Economics from Mahindra College, Patiala. During his college years, he distinguished himself in boxing, earning the prestigious College Colour Award and securing a place in the Roll of Honour in Sports twice as champion amongst all universities in Punjab. His inclination toward social responsibility was evident during NCC camps, where he was recognized for voluntary social service and cleanliness initiatives.

Shri Sidhu joined the Punjab Police as an Inspector in 1963. In 1981, he was promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS). During his distinguished career, he served in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi and Kolkata. He also rendered service in the Sambha Sector during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. In recognition of his exemplary record, he was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1991. He retired in 1996 as Deputy Inspector General (Intelligence), Punjab, from Chandigarh. 

Post-retirement, Shri Sidhu firm believer in civic responsibility and cleanliness, began dedicating himself to maintaining public spaces in Chandigarh. A regular morning walker, he was disturbed by the deteriorating condition of parks and pathways. He began personally collecting litter during his daily walks.

For nearly three decades, Shri Sidhu has voluntarily cleaned parks, streets and public spaces, written to authorities for improved sanitation, motivated cleaning staff, and led by example. Despite indifference and discouragement from others, he remained resolute. What began as a personal act of conscience evolved into a lifelong mission. Long before the launch of the National Swachh Bharat Mission, he had already been practicing and promoting its very ideals through consistent personal action, embodying the spirit of citizen-led cleanliness and civic responsibility. Even in advanced age, prioritizing action over complaint, he continues to work tirelessly to restore and preserve the natural beauty and civic pride of Chandigarh. His life reflects humility, discipline, and selfless service — both in uniform and beyond it.