(THE NEWSMAN OF IND.COM)
Indore Creates History, Again — Thanks to an IAS Officer Who Turned Cleanliness into a Cultural Movement |by Abul Hasan

Indore has once again proved why it is the undisputed champion of cleanliness in India. With its record-shattering 8th consecutive win as India’s Cleanest City in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, the city has not just upheld a standard — it has created a legacy. But behind this unprecedented achievement lies a powerful story of creative governance, civic spirit, and a musical revolution — all orchestrated under the visionary leadership of IAS officer P. Narhari.

The Man Behind the Melody and the Mission

Back in 2016, when the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was gaining ground, it was P. Narhari, then Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation, who envisioned something radically different: a musical movement to change hearts before policies. What emerged was “Ho Halla”, a foot-tapping cleanliness anthem that not only caught on — it took over.

Penned by Narhari and composed by musician-philosopher Devrishi (formerly Rishikesh Pandey), and sung by Bollywood icon Shaan, “Ho Halla” was no ordinary government jingle. It became Indore’s soul song — echoing in households, blaring from garbage trucks, featured in school assemblies, wedding receptions, and even Garba nights. In every sense, it was the soundtrack of a civic awakening.

>“It wasn’t just a song; it was an energy that awakened citizens every morning,” recalls Devrishi. “Its rhythm got people moving, and its message settled deep in their hearts.”

Cleanliness with Rhythm: The Journey from “Ho Halla” to “Halla Bol”

The initial success sparked a wave of musical follow-ups, each matching the city’s rising confidence:

2017: “Ho Halla Again” reignited the momentum.
2018: “Hatrick”, featuring Shaan, Payal Dev, and Jubin Nautiyal, marked Indore’s third straight win.
2019: “Chauka”, composed with Shankar Mahadevan, celebrated the fourth title.
2024: “Halla Bol – Swachhta ka Sirmaur Indore”, voiced by Sonu Nigam, roared as Indore approached its historic eighth triumph.

Each anthem carried the distinct lyrical stamp of P. Narhari and the musical innovation of Devrishi, transforming cleanliness into a cultural revolution. These songs didn’t just play — they moved minds, shifted attitudes, and turned everyday citizens into active contributors of a cleaner city.

A Civic Symphony: Where Governance Meets Art

What sets this journey apart is its rare blend of art and administration. P. Narhari didn’t just enforce rules — he crafted a narrative. He made cleanliness personal, emotional, and celebratory. By tapping into music — the language of the masses — he galvanized an entire city.

This model of participative governance, where policy meets popular culture, has since become a case study in civic innovation. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav rightly called it an “ideal model” worth emulating across the country.

The Impact Echoes Beyond Indore

Not stopping at Indore, Narhari’s lyrical legacy extended to Bhopal, which proudly secured the second spot in this year’s rankings. The capital city’s cleanliness anthem, “Swachhta ki Rajdhani”, too, was composed by the same triumvirate — Narhari, Devrishi, and Shaan — proving that the formula for success wasn’t luck, but vision and collaboration.

A Legacy in Verse and Action

As Indore gears up to receive the prestigious award from the President of India on July 17 in New Delhi, this isn’t just a celebration of municipal success. It’s a tribute to how music, leadership, and community spirit can together bring about lasting change.

P. Narhari’s contribution is not merely administrative; it’s poetic. He transformed an urban challenge into a people’s movement, one verse at a time. His legacy is a living one — playing every morning in Indore’s streets, reminding its citizens that cleanliness is not just policy — it’s pride.

Indore cleaned its streets, but P. Narhari cleaned the mindset. That is the real anthem of Swachh Bharat.