Punjab farmer transforms trash into treasure

In a world drowning in waste, there are those rare people who look beyond the surface, seeing potential where others see only garbage, by transforming waste into art. Chandigarh’s famed Rock Garden stands as a symbol of this transformative spirit — taking the refuse of a city and turning it into something beautiful, inspiring and lasting. 

But while the Rock Garden, built by artist Nek Chand, remains a landmark, it is not the only example of reimagining waste into art. In a small village called Burj Rathi in Mansa district of Punjab, a man named Gurmeet Singh is quietly leading his own revolution — one discarded slipper at a time.

Gurmeet’s journey is one of perseverance, creativity and a deep-seated desire to turn his passion into a force for good. Just like Chand, he saw garbage not as a burden but as an untapped resource. 

With his skilled hands, Gurmeet transforms broken objects and old rubber slippers into intricate toys and unique works of art, breathing life into items once deemed worthless. His creations serve not only as beautiful and functional pieces but also as a powerful social message.

“Through the artwork we create,” Gurmeet said, “I want to show that garbage is not just a source of suffering, but can also be a new opportunity.”

Watch: Straw artist Pradeepta Nayak preserves heritage using paddy waste

Indeed, his message resounds loud and clear. In a world increasingly plagued by the problem of waste, Gurmeet’s work shows that the solution lies in a change of perspective. He is carving out hope — hope that with a bit of creativity and determination, even the most seemingly unsolvable problems can be turned into something valuable.

Rubber slipper masterpieces

Gurmeet’s love of art dates back to his childhood, where he first began making tractor models out of simple materials. What started as a childhood hobby grew into a lifelong passion. In 2009, he created his first tractor engine from broken slippers, a moment that sparked something deep within him. 

“I never realised that it would soothe my soul,” he said. “When I designed this model for the first time, I felt such joy inside that I decided to keep it forward.”

Gurmeet is an artist and also an agricultural worker, deeply rooted in the land and his community. His skill in turning waste into art by making toys and artefacts has sparked admiration and curiosity, offering both employment and inspiration to those around him. 

“I have learned in life that no material is wasted. The only need is to find a way to use it properly. Just as valuable things can come out of garbage, so can circumstances in life be moulded positively,” Gurmeet said. 

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His journey hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, Gurmeet’s work was often ridiculed, with people dismissing his efforts as idle and unproductive. But he never wavered in his conviction, and over time, the same people who once laughed began to admire his vision. 

“Sometimes people don’t understand your creativity,” he said, “but when you pursue it with conviction, people’s thoughts change too.”

From junk to jewels 

At his workshop, Gurmeet’s creativity shines. He spends days meticulously carving rubber slippers into tractor models and other artistic representations of Punjabi heritage. He collects used slippers from nearby villages and restores them first, adding fresh padding, contours and colours, before turning them into curios. 

His work includes everything from spinning wheels and kabaddi scenes to artefacts symbolising important social issues, such as traffic rules and female foeticide. Each piece tells a story, drawing viewers into a conversation about culture, society and the future. The detail and dedication in each model have elevated Gurmeet’s craft into a sought-after art form, with his tractor models selling for as much as Rs 7,500 each. 

These sales have improved his financial standing and also brought joy and respect to his family.

Perhaps one of his most prized creations is a model of the iconic HMT 5911 tractor, loved by Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala. Before he fell to an assassin’s bullets in May 2022, Moosewala visited Gurmeet’s workshop. 

“He expressed his desire for a model of his favourite tractor,” the artist recalled, adding that he soon created one for the singer. 

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In moments like these, it becomes clear that Gurmeet’s work is not just about art — it’s about connection, culture and community.

Art and social crusade

Gurmeet’s influence doesn’t stop at art. He is also a social reformer, fighting against the scourge of drug addiction, a problem that has devastated communities across Punjab. Through his art and outreach, he spreads awareness about the dangers of addiction and urges young people to steer clear of drugs. 

“Addiction is not only ruining our health but also our mental state,” Gurmeet warned. “It is the bane of our generation, and everyone has to be careful to fight the war against it.” 

His message is clear: just as waste can be turned into art, lives affected by addiction can be transformed with the right guidance and care.

Looking ahead, Gurmeet dreams of expanding his workplace into a cultural hub where the public can engage with his art and draw inspiration from it. He hopes that through his centre, people will not just appreciate the beauty of his art but also absorb the deeper messages behind them — messages about cultural roots and social reform. 

“I want people to see the artwork and understand the real message from them,” he said.

Also Read: This rural sports academy is shaping champions in Punjab

The lead image on top shows Gurmeet Singh at his workshop in Burj Rathi village of Punjab’s Mansa district. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)

Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.