A video going viral on social media captures Tukaram Mundhe’s small but significant gesture right before a press conference. In the clip, the Maharashtra FDA Chief can be seen entering the conference room, where all cameras and microphones are already set up. As soon as he reaches his chair, he removes the white towel covering it and then sits down. For the unversed, it may seem like a small gesture, but the white towel carries more meaning than meets the eye.
The act of removing the white towel is seen as a rejection of VIP culture.
How The White Towel Tradition Likely Began
There is no officially documented origin of the practice, but historians and former officials trace it back to colonial India.
Back then, officials often travelled long distances in harsh heat and dusty conditions. A white towel draped over a chair absorbed sweat, kept chairs cleaner and could be easily washed or replaced.
Over time, however, the towel took on a symbolic role. As per multiple reports, senior officials typically occupied towel-covered chairs, while junior staff and visitors did not. In some cases, an extra towelled chair would appear for a visiting dignitary.
A simple white towel in government offices gradually evolved into a symbol of authority and status.
Former bureaucrat Gurdeep Singh Sappal (@gurdeepsappal) summed up the phenomenon in an X post: “British left, horses were sent away, but towels stayed!”
Also Read: Why Tukaram Mundhe Has Become India’s Most Talked-About Food Safety Officer
Tukaram Mundhe And His Celebrity Status
Tukaram Mundhe’s rigorous food safety raids across Maharashtra have won him widespread praise from the public.
At a recent event, the IAS officer received a standing ovation. He has also been going viral on social media, with users expressing appreciation in the comments section.
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However, Mundhe believes he is not doing anything extraordinary. In a recent exclusive interview with NDTV Profit, he said, “I don’t think it is really inspirational or that I have done something extraordinary. I believe that I am just trying to do what is expected of my role, nothing less than that, nothing more than that.”
“If all of us perform the roles that are expected of us, I think we can be a really great society,” Mundhe added.
