Devrishi's sonic revolution: The man behind Indore's Swachhta anthems
As Indore today sealed its legacy, claiming the title of India's Cleanest City for an eighth consecutive time in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, it wasn't just a win for administ rative efficiency or solid waste management. It was a triumph of cultural awakening—a sound revolution that stirred the city's soul and got its people singing for cleanliness. The President will present this monumental award in a grand ceremony in New Delhi today.
This extraordinary campaign's foundation was laid in 2016, as the city took its first major steps towards cleanliness. That same year, a song emerged that would redefine the city's destiny – Ho Halla. It was crafted by then-ad filmmaker Rishikesh Pandey, now known as Devrishi, the revered philosopher and musician. The lyrics were penned by Devrishi with IAS P. Narahari, the then District Collector and an innovative administrative officer, and the song was brought to life by the voice of acclaimed singer Shaan.
The birth of Ho Halla: From love song to morning alarm
Initially, there was skepticism. Senior city officials and the then-Mayor found Ho Halla to be too emotional, too "filmy"—almost like a "love song"—departing from traditional promotional methods. But Municipal Commissioner Manish Singh placed extraordinary trust in this new experiment. Devrishi urged that if the song was played on the city's garbage collection vehicles for just five days and received negative feedback, it would be immediately removed. Manish Singh gave the green light—and that moment became a turning point in Indore's cultural history.
By the fifth day, a message arrived from the Mayor's office: "This song, heard repeatedly, has now captured our hearts." Within weeks, Ho Halla became Indore's cultural emblem. The song began to echo with the sound of garbage vehicles every morning, leading citizens to affectionately call it 'Indore's Morning Alarm.' Children would stand at their doors with bins, drawn by the song's tune. It played in school assemblies and became a popular caller tune. People even danced to it at Garba nights and weddings. Ho Halla’ had transformed into a mantra of civic consciousness.
A symphony of victories: Every win, a new anthem
Following Ho Halla, each year brought a new anthem for Indore's cleanliness journey, fortifying its campaign:
Hai Halla: The unofficial anthem of triumph
Another song holds a unique place in Indore's cleanliness saga—'Hai Halla.' This anthem was specifically created to celebrate Indore's very first time achieving the number one spot in cleanliness. Since then, it has become the city's unofficial victory song. Whenever Indore is declared the cleanest city, citizens celebrate its infectious rhythm. Its lyrics, "Sabki mehnat ka phal hai, Indore number one hai, Hai Halla, Hai Halla," encapsulate the city's collective effort and pride. Sung by Shaan, Payal Dev, and Devrishi himself, 'Hai Halla' isn't just a tune; it's a spontaneous outpouring of civic jubilation that re-ignites with every new cleanliness declaration.
Art, administration, and community: A winning model
Indore's extraordinary story demonstrates that when artistic mediums like music, skilled administration, and active community participation converge, the result isn't just government policies; it's large-scale behavioral change driven by collective emotion and cultural connection. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, has rightly lauded Indore's approach as an "ideal cultural model" for the entire state, recognizing its profound impact.
Today, Devrishi continues to dedicate his musical talent to spiritual and social welfare initiatives, a significant shift that coincided with his personal name change. Indore's musical journey stands as a powerful testament: cities aren't transformed merely by mandates—they transform by singing, awakening, and connecting. And sometimes, a single song is all it takes—to awaken, unite, and transform an entire city.
Initially, there was skepticism. Senior city officials and the then-Mayor found Ho Halla to be too emotional, too "filmy"—almost like a "love song"—departing from traditional promotional methods. But Municipal Commissioner Manish Singh placed extraordinary trust in this new experiment. Devrishi urged that if the song was played on the city's garbage collection vehicles for just five days and received negative feedback, it would be immediately removed. Manish Singh gave the green light—and that moment became a turning point in Indore's cultural history.
Following Ho Halla, each year brought a new anthem for Indore's cleanliness journey, fortifying its campaign:
- Ho Halla Again was released in 2017, sung by Shaan.
- For Indore's hat-trick win in 2018, Hatrick was launched, featuring voices from Shaan, Payal Dev, and Jubin Nautiyal.
- In 2019, Shankar Mahadevan lent his voice to 'Chauka,' elevating the initiative.
- And in 2024, Sonu Nigam's powerful voice infused new energy into Halla Bol – Swachhta ka Sirmaur Indore.
Hai Halla: The unofficial anthem of triumph
Another song holds a unique place in Indore's cleanliness saga—'Hai Halla.' This anthem was specifically created to celebrate Indore's very first time achieving the number one spot in cleanliness. Since then, it has become the city's unofficial victory song. Whenever Indore is declared the cleanest city, citizens celebrate its infectious rhythm. Its lyrics, "Sabki mehnat ka phal hai, Indore number one hai, Hai Halla, Hai Halla," encapsulate the city's collective effort and pride. Sung by Shaan, Payal Dev, and Devrishi himself, 'Hai Halla' isn't just a tune; it's a spontaneous outpouring of civic jubilation that re-ignites with every new cleanliness declaration.
Indore's extraordinary story demonstrates that when artistic mediums like music, skilled administration, and active community participation converge, the result isn't just government policies; it's large-scale behavioral change driven by collective emotion and cultural connection. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, has rightly lauded Indore's approach as an "ideal cultural model" for the entire state, recognizing its profound impact.
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