Believers of solution-oriented approach, ‘The Ugly Indian’ a group of unknown citizen started working towards cleaning the filth in cities. The initiative that started in Bangalore now has spread across the country, with many volunteers joining in each day.
They believe in the philosophy of ‘Kaam chalu mooh bandh’ which means ‘Stop talking, Start doing.’ Not ready to disclose their identities, this bunch of responsible citizens are working to see their surroundings filth free.
Volunteers of the group started their initiative of fixing public places by cleaning and face-lifting roads, street corners, walls, etc. Using their website, they invite citizens to support their cause. In 2010, the group took up their first project for fixing a wall that was lying in state of mess because of paan stains and urination. The group painted the wall and kept few flowerpots near the wall. After beautification, they noticed people refrained from dirtying it again. The idea evoked attention and interest of many citizens who also wanted to do something similar.
Fed up of seeing dirty public spaces all around, the team researched reasons for the existing state.
They wondered why there was garbage in-spite of government local bodies carrying on garbage collection regularly. The research suggested that the underlining reason for such a situation was citizens’ lack of responsibility towards public places. Speaking at the platform of TedX Talks, a member of ‘Ugly Indian’ team with a mask on his face said, “If you want to fix a problem you should go ahead, no one is stopping you.
It is better to fix the problem instead of putting the blame on others.” They refrain from taking donations. Instead, they ask their volunteers to contribute and help them in bringing about the change by working on the cause themselves.
They claim that most of the beautification work done by them did not cost more than Rs 3,000. Volunteers took the onus of spending this amount. Numerous attempts by different media to interview or identify the people behind the idea have been unsuccessful.
The CSR Journal tried contacting The Ugly Indian. An automated reply to the mail read, “Nobody is authorized to speak on behalf of TUI, no interviews are given, and no names/numbers are shared. Anonymity is everything. Let the actions do the talking – all work done is published on Facebook.” If you are interested in turning your ugly surroundings to neat places, you can reach them through social media.
Fed up of seeing dirty public spaces all around, the team researched reasons for the existing state.
If you are interested in turning your ugly surroundings to neat places, you can reach them through social media.
