Global Garbage Man Day: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Sanitation

Honoring Sanitation Workers on Global Garbage Man Day

Every morning, while many of us are still asleep or rushing through our routines, a dedicated group of individuals rises before dawn to clean the spaces we inhabit, work in, and travel through. These sanitation workers are often the first to start their day and the last to receive gratitude. Observed annually on June 17, Global Garbage Man Day serves as a reminder of the unwavering commitment and strength of these workers, who perform some of the most essential yet underappreciated tasks in our society.

This year, instead of focusing solely on statistics, we chose to amplify the voices of those who engage in this vital work daily. We spoke with Sunita Devi, a sanitation worker at a local office who also manages restroom cleanliness; Manju Kumari, a 65-year-old garbage collector from Cherry County in Greater Noida West; and Raghu, a trash collector serving an entire residential area. Each shared their stories with a sense of pride and emotional honesty, reflecting the resilience that fuels their labor.

Sunita Devi greets everyone at her workplace with a warm smile, even while juggling multiple cleaning tasks. "People treat me with respect here, and even the boys lend a hand," she shares. "Cleanliness is a collective responsibility, not just mine." She appreciates the compliments she receives for her hard work, which boosts her sense of respect. "When people are happy, it makes me happy too," she adds. Sunita takes pride in her ability to support her children's education through her work. "I enjoy what I do, and my family supports me. Although negative comments can sting, the appreciation I receive helps me cope with it."

On the streets of Cherry County, we met Manju Kumari, who, at 65, continues to walk from house to house collecting garbage each morning. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop," she says with a smile. "I prefer to be active rather than sit at home feeling useless." Her motivation stems from a desire for independence and usefulness. "I don’t want to rely on anyone. As long as I can walk and work, I will continue to do so." She highlights the importance of her role, stating, "If we don’t show up, people start complaining, which speaks volumes about our significance." Manju hopes for simple gestures of respect and understanding, noting that even a glass of water in summer or a simple thank you can mean a lot.

Then there's Raghu, who diligently pushes his cart through an entire colony each day, ensuring cleanliness in every household. "People often overlook us," he remarks, "but they would certainly notice if we didn’t come for just one day." Raghu takes pride in his work but dreams of a better future for his children. "I want them to hold pens, not brooms." Despite facing disrespect at times, he finds motivation in small acts of kindness, such as a smile or a greeting.

These individuals are not just workers; they are the backbone of our public sanitation system. Their narratives on Global Garbage Man Day remind us of the faces behind the trash bins and mops. They deserve not only our gratitude but also our respect, attention, and kindness every single day.