Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam reached India Gate lawns in New Delhi as part of the fortnight-long Swachhta Hi Sewa campaign only to find there was no garbage at the place where he was supposed to kick off the drive.
To the surprise of ministry officials and volunteers, mostly college students, who frantically went about “arranging” some garbage for Kannanthanam, the newly appointed tourism minister began collecting litter, including empty water bottles, pan masala sachets, ice-cream cups and dry leaves with his hands.
Many onlookers did not recognise the minister as he shook hands with them, patted some on the back while asking people to keep the place clean.
He also chatted with those selling street food, asking them questions about how much they earned and advising them to ask their customers to throw the leftover food and plates into the dustbin.
Help us in making India clean.” he suggested.
