Meet Damodaran, the Padma Shri awardee who is selling vegetables while campaigning

S Damodaran, who received the Padma Shri award, is running as an independent candidate in Tiruchirappalli in the Lok Sabha elections. He is campaigning by talking to vegetable vendors, making flower garlands, and even selling vegetables himself. 

At 62, Damodaran, who's from Tiruchirappalli, is running with a gas stove symbol. Recently, he was spotted at Gandhi Market in the city, talking to people and vendors, seeking their support.

Damodaran's Journey

Starting his career at 21, Damodaran's efforts were recognized with the Padma Shri at 60, awarded by former President Ram Nath Kovind, acknowledging his work in improving water and sanitation access in both rural and urban areas.

"I'm running as an Independent candidate from Trichy constituency. Trichy is my hometown, where I've been involved in sanitation work for over 40 years. I began when I was 21, and now at 62, I'm honored to have received the Padma Shri for my contributions," Damodaran shared with ANI.

Reflecting on his extensive career, Damodaran remembers serving under nine different prime ministers, contributing to various rural sanitation programs that transformed numerous villages into examples of cleanliness and hygiene.

"My journey started when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister. Since then, I've worked under nine prime ministers, participating in different rural sanitation programs to make villages cleaner," he added.

Looking forward, Damodaran aims for a cleaner, greener Tiruchirappalli. He advocates for initiatives like building a Ring Road to ease traffic and constructing flyovers at strategic spots in the city.

The Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, was bestowed upon Damodaran for his significant contributions to social work, particularly in promoting sanitation in villages and slums across South India.

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