The 76th Independence Day of the nation turned out to be a memorable occasion for Rajmohan, a Thrissur based businessman. He has sent a message to the people of the country that the tricolor could be used to usher in dignity and cleanliness, an easy way to make the Swachh Bharat a reality.
For 58-year Rajmohan, who is a stickler for cleanliness and perfection, the 100 feet long and seven feet tall wall protecting his house from the highway was a headache all these years. Staring from cinema theatre owners o political parties, cultural organizations and vendors of commodities made use of Rajmohan’s wall a favorite spot to paste their posters and campaign materials. Not without reasons. The wall which has a panoramic view was a vantage point and any advertisement and campaign materials pasted on the wall. “I had a tough time. Though I pleaded with the people not to deface the wall, it did not make any change in their minds. There were posters of X-rated movies and contractors specializing in cleaning septic tanks. These were embarrassment to family members,” Rajmohan told The Pioneer.
Last week, Rajmohan and his wife designed a plan. They got a painter from Thrissur to paint the wall with the colors of the national flag. The tricolor sans Ashok Chakra got ready within three days. The wall has become the cynosure of all eyes as all kind of posters, writings and drawings disappeared. Now vehicles speeding along the highway slowdown when they pass through the stretch covering Rajmohan’s wall. “May be as a mark of respect to the national flag. There were a couple of road side tea vendors who used to sell tea and snacks in front of the wall. They too withdrew from here. The wall remains as fresh as it was painted and we are confident that it would remain so,” said Rajmohan.
This has happened at a time when most of the walls and public places in Thrissur, the cultural capital, are pained with posters of Fidel Castro and Che Guvera! Mohanachandran, a former port trust executive who is a daily commuter through the stretch says the change is pleasant. “It is a refreshing experience to watch the national colors and that too 100 ft long and 7 ft tall. The area has an aura of peace and happiness,” said Mohanachandran