Meet the Mandsaur teacher who has been hand-painting awareness posters for 45 years

In an era driven by digital campaigns and social media, a retired schoolteacher from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, is proving that pen, paint and paper can still inspire meaningful change. For nearly 45 years, Shyam Singh Chundawat has been handcrafting awareness posters and postcards carrying messages on environmental conservation, water saving, cleanliness, public health and other social issues. His colourful creations are displayed at bus stands, petrol pumps, hospitals and other public places across the town, encouraging people to adopt responsible habits.

Chundawat says the idea was born during his teaching career when he realised a classroom could only reach a limited audience. He turned to postcards and posters to spread awareness to a much wider community. Residents and local officials praise his unwavering commitment, describing him as a silent force for positive social change. Beyond creating awareness, Chundawat has also pledged to plant one sapling every day and personally cares for each tree, believing that meaningful messages must always be supported by meaningful action.