Meet Vivekanandan, the youth who cleaned over 500 road signboards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 500 dust-covered and mud-stained signboards have been cleaned and restored by M Vivekanandan, a 28-year-old from Iritty in Kannur district. Every evening after 4 pm, he heads out onto the roads carrying cleaning liquid, cloth, and paint brushes to clean roadside signboards and convex mirrors covered in dirt and vegetation. He also repaints faded road warning markings.

Vivekanandan works as an automobile instructor at Marygiri ITI. He spends his free time after work and on weekends carrying out the cleaning work. The idea first came to him two years ago during a journey when he noticed a signboard covered in dust that was impossible to read. So far, he has cleaned more than 500 signboards, 60 convex mirrors, and over 50 speed breakers, mainly across Kannur district.

One of his most difficult cleaning efforts was near the Mammanam temple, where he cleaned a heavily dirty footpath. The work started in the afternoon and continued until 6 pm. Vivekanandan buys all the cleaning materials, including liquid cleaners, brushes, and paint, using his own money. What began as a personal interest later turned into a regular activity after videos he shared on social media received wide appreciation and encouragement.

He is the son of Murukan and Raji from Sreeramapuram in Padiyoor, Iritty. His sister, M. Vindhya, also supports his efforts.

“I am not doing this to blame the authorities. If this inspires even one person, that itself is a great happiness,” Vivekanandan said.