Imagine this – You’re driving home after a long day, tired and eager to reach your destination. Suddenly –BAM!, your car jolts violently as it hits a pothole. You manage to steady yourself, but for many, this isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Now, picture a 66-year-old man, not an engineer with heavy machinery, but an ordinary citizen, standing under the scorching sun, shovel in hand, filling these death traps. No salary, no official title—just an unshakable resolve to fix what others ignore.
This is the story of Gangadhar Tilak Katnam, Hyderabad’s “Road Doctor”, a retired railway engineer who refused to sit idly while potholes wreaked havoc on innocent lives.
Katnam’s journey as the “Road Doctor” started in 2010. After retiring, he noticed how potholes on Hyderabad’s (India) roads were causing accidents and even deaths. One day, he hit a pothole himself, leading to a near-miss accident. That moment changed everything. Instead of waiting for authorities to act, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
Using his own savings and carrying debris in his old car, he started filling potholes one by one. What began as a single act of responsibility soon turned into an unstoppable mission. While most people ignored the problem, Katnam saw every pothole as a threat to human lives, one that had to be fixed before it claimed another victim.
As word spread about this determined man working alone on Hyderabad’s roads, people began to take notice. Some mocked him, some admired him, but he remained undeterred. He wasn’t looking for applause, he was looking for change.
His self-funded initiative caught the attention of municipal authorities, who offered him a government job to fix potholes officially. But Katnam refused, he wasn’t doing this for money or recognition. Bureaucratic red tape would slow him down. Instead, he founded Shramadaan, a volunteer-driven initiative that inspired many to join him in his mission.
At an age when most people slow down, Katnam keeps going, driven by the belief that small actions can create big changes.
Today, he has filled over 2,500 potholes, ensuring safer roads for countless commuters. His efforts prove that one person’s determination can fix what an entire system ignores.
Gangadhar Tilak Katnam’s story is not just about fixing potholes, it’s about fixing mindsets. He teaches us that waiting for change won’t help, we must become the change.
His complete journey, his struggles, sacrifices, and the impact he has made is featured in our book ‘Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part II’. This book brings to light the incredible journeys of real-life heroes who, without seeking fame or fortune, are shaping a better world for us all.
If you love stories of inspiration, resilience, and unsung warriors, this book is a must-read. Let’s celebrate these hidden heroes and get inspired to make our own impact.
Be Inspired: Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes
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Thank you, Ritish, for a tribute to Gangadhar Tilak Katnam! It is not only wonderfully written and inspiring but a story to be re-told when possible as it is life-changing by its power. I congratulate you, Ritish, for devoting your life to inspiring people to change the world to be a better place for many in our difficult times.
Joanna
Thank you so much, Joanna. His story is truly inspiring, and I'm just happy to share it. It feels good when one person's efforts make such a big impact.
Couldn't agree more, Ritish!
Joanna
Love this story about someone who inspires us to be the change we want to see in the world. Beautiful, Ritish!
True Wynne. His story is definitely a reminder that small actions can make a big difference. Glad you loved it.
I admire anyone who sees a community problem and then goes about solving it rather than just sitting around complaining about it. Great story, Ritish!
Absolutely, Pete. It is always so inspiring to hear & see people like these. Glad you enjoyed the story.
I absolutely love this story about someone who inspires us to be the change we wish to see in the world. Truly beautiful, Ritish.
I’m so happy you loved his story. This story really shows that every bit of change counts.
Isn't it amazing! True be the change you wish to see rather than waiting for the change.
Absolutely, Parikhit. Change starts with us and us only. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
One person truly can make a difference. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story.
Indeed, Michele. Thank you for reading.
You're welcome, Ritish.
Wonderful story!
Yeah, it's totally worth sharing.
There is a man in Chicago, years ago, who did the same thing. He filled potholes around Chicago with mosaics, it was beautiful. https://youtu.be/R4rEdJqszkE?si=rwhfoeB3BZz9NgPA
Wow, what a creative way to make a difference. I love how Bachor turned potholes into art.
Yes, it was an amazing idea. Amazing that he got so creative that way, his own time and money to make “us” happy, ie pot hole covered, but a piece of art to look at too. Thanks for sharing YOUR story that reminded me of this one.
Absolutely! It’s so cool when people go out of their way to make a difference, and even better when they do it in such a creative way. Always love hearing about these inspiring people.
I had to laugh when you said imagine this 66 year old man, like it was old when I'm right there with him with the pot holes. I'm like, "he's young". lol 😂
His message is a clear one and Im so glad you shared Gangadhar Tilak Katnam, and Unsung hero for sure. It's the job, to continue to clear the pot holes of our mind which isn't always easy, Ritish but necessary. Great post! ❤️
Haha, I love that Cindy 😂 My bad, age is just a number. And I absolutely love how you put it, clearing the potholes in our minds is just as important. It’s a never-ending job, but totally worth it. Thanks for your kind words ❤️
God bless this man! It shows how we all can find a way to make a difference if we try.
So true, Dennis. One person's effort can mean so much. Thanks for dropping by!
I remember reading about this generous soul in your book. What a lesson for the rest of us! ☀️