My recent journey to Chittorgarh left me with a deep sense of fulfillment and pride. This trip wasn’t just about visiting a historic site; it was about witnessing the transformation of a community through dedication and teamwork. Our destination was the Shri Sanwaliya Seth Temple Mandaphiya, Bhadasoda village, just 28 kilometers from Chittorgarh on the road to Udaipur. This temple is not only a spiritual beacon but also a place of immense cultural significance. Legend has it that the revered saint Mirabai worshipped here, adding to its rich heritage. The temple draws thousands of devotees annually, especially during festivals like Janmashtami, when the influx of visitors can be overwhelming.

The challenge was immense. The sheer volume of people visiting the temple and the surrounding markets made maintaining cleanliness a daunting task. The local administration and village council were doing their best, but the crowd size often exceeded their capacity. It was clear that a specialized approach was needed.

FINISH Society was honored to be chosen for this vital task. At first, our journey was fraught with challenges. Gaining the cooperation of the locals, addressing their concerns, and changing mindsets about cleanliness was no small feat. There was resistance, and some felt that sanitation wasn’t their responsibility. Despite these hurdles, we pressed on, motivated by the belief that keeping the temple clean was, in itself, a form of service to the divine.

Our approach was simple but effective. We educated the community about the importance of cleanliness as part of their devotion and encouraged them to use waste bins instead of littering. We also supported our sanitation workers by ensuring their well-being with benefits like EPF and ESI, making them feel valued and secure. I felt an extraordinary sense of energy among the cleaning team. These sanitation workers weren’t merely performing their duties; they were working with a deep sense of devotion, believing that their task was not just to clean but to serve the divine. This transformation came from the understanding that their work was an opportunity to serve not only the temple but also Lord Sanwaliya Seth himself. Two names stood out to me the most: Maya and Guddi. Their stories were similar, but their journeys had given them remarkable strength and resilience, making them a source of inspiration for all of us. Maya has a young daughter, and Guddi has two sons, aged 10 and 12. Both women were married into families in distant villages, but their husbands, trapped in the grips of alcohol and gambling, were unable to support the household. Left with no choice, Maya and Guddi decided to return to their parental homes. However, they did not want to be a burden on their families, so they joined hands with the FINISH Society and found purpose in their work as sanitation workers.

Whether it was scorching heat or heavy rains, Maya and Guddi were always punctual and committed to their jobs. Their enthusiasm and dedication were contagious. A perfect example of this was on September 14, 2024, during the grand procession of the Jaljhulni Ekadashi festival. As the crowd celebrated with flowers and colors, Maya, Guddi, and their team were busy ensuring the streets were spotless.

I saw it with my own eyes: as the procession moved forward, Maya and Guddi immediately started cleaning the streets. By the time people returned along the same route, they were astonished to find the roads already clean. It was as if a miracle had occurred. They couldn’t understand how it was possible for the streets to be cleaned so quickly despite the massive crowd and festivities. But I knew the truth—this was the result of Maya and Guddi’s unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Their dedication went beyond just doing a job; it was driven by a genuine sense of service. FINISH Society didn’t just launch a sanitation campaign—it provided Maya and Guddi with a renewed sense of purpose and dignity. They not only improved their financial situation but also found pride in their work and a deep sense of responsibility toward the community.

One of the most memorable moments during my meeting with Mr. Gulab Singh, the former Swacchta Prabhari of the temple, was when he shared his appreciation for our work. He recounted how, during this year’s Holi festival, the temple grounds were covered in several hundred kilograms of colorful powder. Despite the enormity of the task, our team worked relentlessly through the night. By 4 a.m., just in time for the Mangla Aarti, the temple was immaculate, with no trace of the previous night’s celebrations left behind. Mr. Singh’s recognition of his efforts was a powerful testament to our team’s dedication and the collective spirit of the community.

The honor didn’t end there; we received a certificate of appreciation from the temple management and administration. This recognition was not just for the cleanliness but for the spirit of collaboration and service that defined our approach.

.