Shaikpet colony honours sanitation workers
Hyderabad: More than 5,000 residents of Suryanagar colony, Shaikpet, honoured their garbage collectors and sweepers by giving them the Independence Day flag salute, days after the workers were allegedly abused and threatened by anti-social elements backed by politicians. As the Tricolour rose up the pole, several workers broke down in tears while neighbours applauded in solidarity. “Touch our workers, and you touch all of us,” echoed across the ground.
“These sanitation workers are the backbone of our society. Every single day, they clean our streets and keep our homes healthy. They are not outsiders; they are our own. If someone abuses them, they abuse all 5,000 residents of Surya Nagar,” said Asif Sohail, president of the Jubilee Hills Constituency 300 Colonies Forum.
Festivities followed the flag salute, with residents organising sports events for seniors and juniors, arranging 40 free blood tests and sharing a community breakfast. Conversations happened on the topics of work and the dignity of labour.
The Surya Nagar Colony Welfare Association later declared that any harassment of sanitation staff would be met with unity, resistance and nationwide exposure. Organisers said placing the workers at the forefront was both a celebration and a warning.
