Bhanjanagar: Sairam, a cleanliness activist, will be honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and Gandhian values.
The 24-year-old, a look-alike of Gandhi, crossed seven states and travelled nearly 2,000 kilometres to reach Vijay Chowk to spread the benefits of cleanliness and messages of Bapu on Swachhata.
With his face covered in silver steel paint, Sairam was dressed in a simple dhoti and white cover-up as the ones Gandhi used to wear. As he took to the streets, people gathered and curious onlookers took out their camera phones and clicked a few pictures of the look-alike of Mahatma.
With a desire to be a part of Swachh Abhiyan mission, Sairam has been associated with the Clean India campaign since it was announced.
Incidentally, he played the role of Gandhi since he was in Class IV, a part he has now played for over 15 years. “I have done voluntary work so far, but since my father died three months ago, I am jobless.”A jobless man, Sairam wants a job so that he would spread the awareness on cleanliness without hurdles.
A theater student, he says he has got appreciation letters from ministers, but “That is not enough for a livelihood.” He stated that after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he would tell him how he has made ‘Clean India’ his life’s mission.
Notably, director Avinash Nanda has planned to direct a film on his life history named ‘Silver Gandhi’. The real name of Sairam is Mohan Mohapatra.
PNN