Cleaning toilets is seen as a menial job and is considered to be a dirty, filthy task. Despite being taught about the dignity of labour – which basically means no work is small or lowly – most of us fail to put it into practice. But this headmaster is leading by example.
B Mahadeshwara Swamy, Headmaster of the Government Primary School in Hongahalli, Karnataka starts his day by scrubbing toilets
Residents of the area say that Swamy starts his day by cleaning the school toilets, followed by maintaining the garden and cleaning the classrooms also. In a report in TOI, a villager said “What makes him special is he ensures that every student takes care of personal hygiene. He also makes every child a part of learning activities, sports, and games. Parents are pleased and are sending their children to school regularly.”
Meanwhile, Swamy said that he has been cleaning the school toilets since 1988 and he started his first day in the school by cleaning the toilets only. “I worked there for over 8 years. That stint taught me the importance of personal hygiene and social service. In 1994, I joined the government service, and continued the same approach,” he told TOI.
“It is our duty to clean the places we use. Clean toilets are essential for a healthy life. So, I am continuing this exercise wherever I go,” he added.
Currently, 121 students are studying in the school and they say that they are proud of their headmaster. He has also developed a library for students, paying from his own pocket and also a garden at the school.
Mahadeshwara Swamy is an example of purity and he has set an example in front of the school teachers also that no work is small or petty, whatever you do should benefit yourself and people around you.
Article Credit: IndiaTimes