The Economic Times SRINAGAR: 28 Sep 2017
Bilal Ahmad Dar (17), who Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised for his cleanliness drive during his radio talk show Mann Ki Baat, is set to explore the world, however back home in the under privileged Laharwalpora locality where he hails from in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, he needs a few basics: a proper house for his family and connectivity, drinking water facility and education.
Dar has got a job offer from a government department in the state, but he still has few months to go to hit the eligibility age of 18 years. Srinagar Municipal Committee has also appointed him as its brand ambassador for the cleanliness drive with a monthly salary of Rs 8000 and even promised to allot a vehicle and a shikara to support his campaign.
For Dar, who lost his father, a fisherman, to cancer at an early age and has been picking up trash from Wular Lake since he was 12 to support his family, life seems to be changing at last. After unsuccessful attempts to get a job at an auto-mechanic shop and a hotel in Srinagar, he was inspired by non-state rag pickers in Srinagar and decided to do the same in Wular Lake. He is thankful to the PM and SMC to recognize his efforts and believes that a good cause and honesty always get noticed.
“I was teased for collecting trash and sometimes bullies pushed me into the lake, but I couldn’t quit. I had developed an emotional and conscious relationship with Wular, which sustained my family and many of our neighbours for centuries now,” Dar told ET.
“I screened the film at a function of an organization Aarasta in Srinagar, where Tasaduq Mufti and other .dignitaries were also present. They appreciated it a lot and that is when SMC decided to make Bilal its ambassador,” Jalal ud din told ET
He will be in Delhi in November to attend ‘CMS Vatavaran Conference’ and is likely to travel across different cities in India to attend various functions regarding environmental awareness. If everything falls in place Dar may also travel to the USA and Brazil in connection with the film and other projects.
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