Those who refused would be humbly requested, with all calls recorded, and informed about the mission. Some of those who failed to act would then be given a dose of their own medicine, as the yodhas would then ensure the garbage returns to its source.

They also made videos of people throwing garbage and uploaded it on social media leading to the ‘dumpers’ feeling a sense of shame, and generating awareness among people.

“There were people who drove by in luxury cars and flung out bottles, and when our volunteers tried to talk to them, would act rough. Although initially we tried to reason, we then stopped engaging with those who were not willing to listen since it was plain futile,” say the yodhas.

Despite All Odds

From ensuring no bills and posters are pasted on the walls to painting them all up, furnishing bus stands and redoing parks, one has to see it to believe it.

But despite their best efforts, there were those who tried playing spoilsport, be it health officers, garbage collectors, high-ranking officials or a section of the public. For each of them, the volunteers did whatever it took to get their point across.

The group once picked up all the posters and banners that had been displayed across the city, around 50 of them, and pasted them on the main gate of the city corporation office.

A senior official threatened them with dire action for ‘messing’ with the authorities.

Another instance of a health officer taking offence to the request of the volunteers to ensure a certain area is kept clean was also handled with a strict no-nonsense policy.

“We told these people that we would get the garbage and put it outside their houses — for these are the public servants who should actually be doing what our volunteers are doing. When they are the ones taxing people to do what is essentially a duty, that too when garbage can actually be a revenue generating option, they cannot be spared when they act in ways uncalled for,” says swamiji.

He adds that “aggression is needed but it cannot be the formula”.

“That is what we ensured our volunteers are clear about. That we are working for people not against them. So don’t just get angry and throw garbage in front of people’s houses, for that’s not our agenda. Ensure they understand the importance of what we are trying to do,” he reiterates to a group of volunteers, who were earlier pursuing different jobs but have now signed up as full-time volunteers, and have also planned a start-up in this very direction.