The relentless heat of summer in Delhi often leaves its most underserved residents scrambling for relief. But in some pockets of the city, something extraordinary is happening: local heroes, ordinary people, are stepping up to take care of their communities, ensuring that no one goes thirsty during the peak heat season.

As part of the Delhi Rising campaign, we’re celebrating these unsung heroes—those who have turned a basic need into a profound act of community care and responsibility.

1. Radha Ji & Savitri Ji: Two Women, One Powerful Impact

Bus Stop 205, Sundarnagri, is where we launched the first Bollywood-style cutouts of our Hydration Heroes to honour two women—Radha Ji and Savitri Ji—whose dedication to maintaining the local hydration point is changing their community.

Both in their 50s, Radha Ji and Savitri Ji are known for their fearless advocacy for the community. They have fought for safer roads and cleaner streets, and after witnessing the hardships of those waiting under the scorching sun at the bus stop, they decided to do something about it. Every morning and evening, they refill the water matkas in front of their house—no questions asked, no compensation expected.

To honour their tireless efforts, we have installed these heroized cutouts, a bilingual storyboard, and two headphone stations that play their personal stories. The event brought the community together to celebrate their dedication, with local MLA’s representative Haji Arkam presenting them with framed cutouts as a keepsake.

Their message? “You don’t need grand schemes to make a change. Sometimes, all it takes is a clay pot of water.”

2. Shanu Bhai: The Local Hero Who Keeps the Pyaau Alive

At a labour Chowk in Sundarnagri, Shanu Bhai, a local vendor who sells ice, has been taking care of the public water cooler (pyaau) for years. What started as a government initiative to help daily-wage workers turned into a story of neglect. But Shanu Bhai couldn’t stand to see the community go thirsty.

He began cleaning and maintaining the pyaau or water dispenser, even paying for repairs out of his own pocket. Shanu Bhai doesn’t ask for recognition—he just wants to ensure that workers can always find relief from the heat. His commitment is a quiet, powerful reminder that heroism doesn’t always need a stage—it thrives in everyday actions.

When we began re-inaugurating the pyaau, there were some initial moments of hostility. Some passersby were skeptical, perhaps even critical. But the moment we revealed the Hydration Hero cutouts, the atmosphere shifted. What had begun as frustration turned into admiration as the community saw one of their own being celebrated for being a hero.

At our installation event, the community celebrated him as a true hero, and Shanu Bhai’s simple yet profound message resonated with all: “It’s not just water. It’s dignity.”

3. Rahim: A Quiet Guardian

In Seemapuri, Rahim, a gig worker, has taken on the responsibility to fill the matkas every morning. He understands the pain of thirst—after all, he too spends long hours working outside under the sun.

To him, refilling the matkas isn’t just about water; it’s about caring for his community—his fellow workers, the passersby, and anyone who needs it. Rahim’s story is one of empathy, and when he shared his experience at the event, it sparked deep reflections on the interconnectedness of all.

But Rahim’s story wouldn’t be complete without Jamila Ji, a waste picker who also takes care of the hydration point. Despite not wanting her cutout displayed, Jamila’s story shows how simple acts of kindness ripple across communities, starting a wave of change.

4. Jalaluddin: The Park Keeper Who Transformed a Dumping Ground into a Garden

For over 14 years, Jalaluddin has been maintaining six parks in his neighborhood, including a once-dilapidated park next to the matka installation. Jalaluddin’s passion for nature has transformed the park into a vibrant green space, offering not only a haven for residents but also a symbol of his commitment to his community.

When we installed the hydration station, Jalaluddin was already taking care of the park’s upkeep. His role expanded when he took on the responsibility of refilling the matkas. He is humble, even surprised by the recognition, but his family proudly watches as their father, husband, and grandfather becomes a local legend.

Community Reflections: “Small Acts, Big Impact”

What’s common among these stories? Humility, dedication, and the power of community. It isn’t about doing something “big”, but rather quiet, consistent efforts that, over time, inspire those around them.

As Radha Ji put it, “It’s not about doing something big. It’s about doing what’s needed in front of you.”

The Hydration Heroes carry the spirit of their community and that’s what makes their actions truly heroic.

Interactive Moments:

  • Bollywood style hero Cutouts: As part of the installation, we’ve added life-sized, heroized cutouts of these hydration heroes. These cutouts not only honor their work but also give visitors the chance to take photos and engage with the heroes’ larger-than-life contributions in a tangible way.
  • Bilingual Storyboards: We’ve designed bilingual storyboards that tell the firsthand stories of these hydration heroes—why they took on this responsibility and how their dedication has impacted the community. The bilingual nature of these storyboards ensures that everyone can connect with the stories, regardless of language, and understand the depth of commitment behind their actions.
  • Listen to the Stories: Use the audio stations at each installation to hear firsthand accounts from Savitri Ji and Radha Ji, Shanu Bhai, and Rahim.
  • Watch the “Mahi G” Rap: Enjoy the community’s favorite rap video on loop, celebrating the resilience of these heroes.
  • Projector Highlights: At each installation, we set up projectors showcasing videos, including one on the heatwave warnings/alerts from the IMD and another created by Community Fellows Dipali and Sunita to highlight the impact of extreme heat on informal workers.

It’s easy to overlook the small acts of kindness in our daily lives—especially in a city like Delhi, where everyone is in a rush and life moves fast. But these Hydration Heroes remind us that sometimes, the most powerful impact is made through the quiet, everyday actions of ordinary people.

It’s not about waiting for some grand opportunity to make a difference. It’s about doing what you can, when you can. Whether it’s refilling a water pot, maintaining a public space, or just caring for the people around you—these heroes show us that sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest ripple effect.

So, who’s the hero in your community? Maybe it’s someone you’ve never noticed, but has been quietly making a difference for years. Let’s not wait for big events to honour these everyday heroes.

These installations are more than just cutouts and matkas—they’re catalysts for conversations, reflections, and actions. Delhi Rising isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement of everyday heroes showing us that, together, we can overcome any challenge. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who are already making our world a better place, one small act at a time.

We’d love to hear your thoughts—Who are the unsung heroes in your community? How can you contribute to making a difference? Tell us in the comments section below.