A small stretch of 28th Main Road in HSR Layout Sector 2 stands out for its pristine condition, a rare sight in a neighborhood often marked by litter and garbage. Locals attribute this spotless stretch to 83-year-old Surya Narayana, a resident who has kept it clean for nearly 24 years. Narayana’s routine involves sweeping the road and maintaining the area around his house, a practice that has earned him recognition after a video of him cleaning went viral.
Narayana, who worked as a manager in the automobile industry, moved to HSR Layout with his wife, 73-year-old HS Jayanthi, in 2000. After settling in, they began greening the area by planting saplings and cultivating the road’s beauty. Narayana has always had a passion for gardening, a hobby he began in childhood, even skipping school to work in the garden.
Every morning, after his walk, Narayana spends two hours cleaning the road, including clearing silt and debris from the drains. His wife, Jayanthi, handles the house chores while he focuses on the outdoors. Despite their age, they have kept up with this routine, rejecting the idea of hiring help. They both believe that staying busy with these tasks keeps them active and engaged.
A primary concern for Narayana is the stormwater drain, which gets clogged with leaves and debris. He ensures the debris is cleared and placed away from the drain to prevent it from getting blocked again. He also points out that stagnant water during the monsoon leads to mosquito breeding, and he wishes BBMP would take action to address the unkempt properties in the area.
Narayana comes from a family of village accountants from Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru, and believes in the dignity of all work. He rejects the idea of caste-based labor, emphasizing that keeping one’s surroundings clean is a shared responsibility. He also advocates for teaching children proper sanitation habits, as he believes that cleanliness will naturally follow when systems are in place.
Madhu Sudhan Venkatesh, an IT engineer and member of the HSR community task force, was so impressed by Narayana’s efforts that he shared the viral video. He calls it “perhaps the cleanest drain in the city,” recognizing the elderly man’s dedication to maintaining the area.
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