Shyam Bairagi’s Swachh Bharat Song Gains Popularity in Kashmir Villages

Pulwama: In the early hours of the morning, a familiar jingle echoes through the streets of rural Kashmir. The song, “Gaadi Wala Aaya, Ghar Se Kachra Nikaal” (The garbage man has come, take out the trash), has become a key part of daily life in these remote areas, encouraging residents to maintain cleanliness as part of the nationwide Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).
Originally written by Shyam Bairagi, a school teacher from Madhya Pradesh, the catchy song is now winning hearts in the villages of Kashmir, where it is played by garbage collection vans each morning.
Bairagi, a resident of Mandla in Madhya Pradesh, composed the song in 2016 at the request of the local municipal president. The objective was to inspire residents to properly dispose of their household waste, using music as a tool for behavioral change.
The song quickly became popular in Mandla, with its catchy melody being played on garbage trucks throughout the town. Over the time, it spread to cities and towns across Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Jabalpur, and Rewa, before reaching neighboring states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The song’s message of cleanliness and responsibility resonated with people, helping to reinforce the goals of the Swachh Bharat campaign.
Today, Bairagi’s jingle has traveled far beyond its place of origin, reaching the scenic yet remote villages of Kashmir. In Wahibugh, a village about five kilometers from Pulwama’s district headquarters in South Kashmir, the song has become a part of daily life. The jingle now accompanies garbage vans as they collect solid waste from households for a nominal monthly fee, encouraging villagers to participate in the nationwide cleanliness drive.
Jana Begum, an elderly resident of Wahibugh, shared how the song has had a positive impact on the village. “For the past few months, the garbage vans have been playing this song while collecting waste from our homes,” she said. “The music is not only a reminder to take out the trash but also a source of joy. My six-year-old grandson eagerly waits for the van every morning, dancing to the tune of the song as it makes its rounds,” she added.
Jana is not alone in her appreciation for the song. Across the village, the jingle has resonated with both young and old, becoming something of an anthem for cleanliness. While another local tune, “Majev Banev Thaev Yaad, Safayee Che Nasib Emaan” (Remember cleanliness, it’s a blessing and a duty), also plays from the garbage vans and is popular with residents, Bairagi’s Hindi jingle stands out due to its catchy melody and powerful lyrics.
Waheeda, another resident of Wahibugh, praised the effectiveness of the song’s message. “Both the music and the lyrics are powerful, and they convey the message of cleanliness very effectively,” she said. Waheeda believes that the jingle has succeeded in catching people’s attention and has made the often mundane process of waste disposal more enjoyable.
A few years ago, the Rural Development Department (RDD) initiated door-to-door waste collection services across several villages in Kashmir—a significant step forward in addressing waste management issues in rural areas. Despite challenges, such as ensuring full participation from households and maintaining the operational efficiency of waste segregation sheds and solid waste management facilities, the services have been running successfully in many villages.
The introduction of door-to-door waste collection, combined with the power of music, has proven to be an effective way to engage the community. The songs remind residents that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and that small actions, such as taking out the trash, can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean environment.
The spread of Bairagi’s Swachh Bharat song from Central India to the villages of Kashmir illustrates the powerful role that music can play in driving social change. What began as a local initiative in a small town has now become part of a nationwide movement, inspiring people from diverse regions to take ownership of their surroundings and contribute to a cleaner India.