Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Apr 9: Here is an ambassador of cleanliness in a real sense. He has not been given this designation by either the government or someone else, but by the people who are impressed by his selfless service to the cause.

Abdul Khader, who resides near Goonadka main road in Sampaje village lost his legs in an accident early in his life and therefore could not pursue education. For livelihood, he started to function as a street vendor. After he got a three-wheeler vehicle from the government, he carried on trade in fresh fish and clothes from Sullia to Sampaje.

During his journey from one village to the other, he witnessed callousness with which the people were found throwing garbage in public places. In course of time, he got an urge to do something for environmental conservation. Thereafter, wherever he has time. he has been planting placards containing the Swachh Bharat emblem by the roadside, urging the people to imbibe the habit of cleanliness and hygiene He also has placed wastebaskets to educate people to throw waste into the box not elsewhere. He has installed a model of Gandhiji's spectacles that represents the Swachh Bharat concept, at Goonadka so that the tourists stop for a moment and take notice of the message.

Khader says that he was worried at the sight of plastic and other garbage disposed of by the tourists. An idea that stuck to him has been implemented by him in the form of a small contribution to the concept of environment conservation, he says.