SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN FROM THE BANKS OF GANGA, VARANASI
Then Now
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Profile of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
Soldier of Sanitation
National Function on ‘UNTOUCHABILITY NO MORE’
Messiah of the Untouchables
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O’ FATHER, YOU ARE HIGH IN THE HEAVEN; HALLOWED BE THY NAME! - DR. PATHAK
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” -- “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH, AUGUST 28, 1963 – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
I am the son of the son of Mahatma Gandhi but Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is the son of his soul. If we were to go to meet Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, he would first greet Dr. Pathak for the noble work that he is doing and then meet me. Dr. Pathak has restored human rights and dignity to people engaged in the manual cleaning of human excreta which they carried as head-load. – PROF. RAJMOHAN GANDHI
Dr. Pathak leads liberated scavengers to a famous Hindu Temple
BINDESHWAR PATHAK AMONGST TOP 50 ICONS RECOGNISED IN
"Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh International (India) is the humanist, social reformer and diversity champion. Pathak works as an advocate for the so-called ‘untouchable’ caste, so they may work, live and pray as a fully integrated part of Indian life. His work in the improvement of sanitation and production of bio-gas is changing health and wealth outcomes for the poorest people and is cited as one of the Globally Best Practice by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements." –THE ECONOMIST
Dr. Pathak joins the roll of honour for World's Top 50 diversity figures in public life along with US President Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie and Bill Gates (November 2015).
HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER SHRI NARENDRA MODI & USHA CHAUMAR
"Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Usha Chaumar, the dalit former untouchable and now President of Sulabh International walk up to the podium to receive the Safaigiri Award for 2015 from no less a person than the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd October, 2015. Life for her as well as for me had taken a full circle. The result of forty seven years of tireless striving dedication and hard work was before my eyes. Shunned by society, forced to manually clean human excreta, discriminated and looked down upon, Usha Chaumar, received the coveted award with her head held high in front of a galaxy of dignitaries. For me this was a moment of immense pride and satisfaction and quite understandably I became very emotional." -Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Precursor and Proponent Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Shri Narendra Modi
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n a remarkable new development, the present Prime Minister Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi has powerfully underlined that without freedom from filth India cannot become a great nation. He has kicked off Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which is a national mission to make India’s streets, roads, and infrastructure clean by 2019. The central component of the mission is construction of toilets. Besides constructing toilets in every school immediately, it plans to construct 12 crore toilets in rural India by October 2019. The aim is to provide every household a toilet and thus eliminate open defection. Conversion of insanitary toilets to pour-flush toilets and eradication of manual scavenging are integral parts of the mission’s objective. The Prime Minister’s plan of cleanliness has generated a nationwide enthusiasm, and Dr. Pathak alongwith his organization Sulabh, which has a formidable expertise and track-record in this area, is playing an important role in this mission. Sulabh has adopted many villages, like Hirmathla village in the state of Haryana, making them free from open defecation. Here, as in many other places, Sulabh has built public and household toilets. In Punjab, Sulabh is set to build 12,000 individual toilets and more than 7000 toilets have also been built in schools across different states of the country.
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DR. BINDESHWAR PATHAK SPEAKS The distance is long and Day is short; Let us hurry home, travellers, before, Sundown: Target to liberate all scavengers In the country is still too far Away and, hence, We have to speed up work: Scavengers and their families look to us for their salvation: Let us not disappoint them, or else, We shall be accountable to History and future generations.
I fulfilled the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi by restoring the human rights and dignity of untouchables and brought them into the mainstream of society on a par with others. Tell scavengers after they are freed; We gave our today for their tomorrow.
DR. BINDESHWAR PATHAK FATHER’S NAME
Late Rama Kant Pathak DATE OF BIRTH
April 2, 1943 PLACE OF BIRTH
Rampur Baghel, District Vaishali, Bihar, India EDUCATION
M.A. in Sociology M.A. in English Ph.D. on “Liberation of scavengers through Low Cost Sanitation”, from Patna University, Patna, Bihar. D.Litt. on “Eradication of Scavenging and Environmental Sanitation in India a Sociological Study”, from Patna University, Patna, Bihar. ADDRESS IN DELHI
Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (In General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council)
Sulabh Bhawan, Palam Dabri Road, New Delhi 110045 Telephone : +91 11 2503 15 18, 2503 15 19 Fax : +91 11 2505 59 52, 2503 40 14 Email : info@sulabhinternational.org bindeshwarpathak@gmail.com Websites : http://www.sulabhinternational.org, http://www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org
DR. BINDESHW Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is a versatile genius who has made pathbreaking and tremendous contributions for the society, without power of post, power of money and place and has turned the pages of history of India of 5000 years of untouchability, social discrimination, defecation in the open and also giving a new life to the widows of India. In fact, he is a Renaissance man, a multifaceted personality and combines in himself the traits of a social scientist, an engineer, an administrator and an institution-builder. What is remarkable is that he has ingeniously utilized all these expertise to enrich and empower the depressed classes, improve community health & hygiene as well as ecology and environment. Thus, he is fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Dr. Pathak is a great humanist and social reformer of contemporary India. To the weaker sections of society especially, he is the compassionate face of a paternal redeemer. He has the vision of a philosopher and the undying zeal of a missionary. He is the icon of sanitation and social reform who has made a difference in the lives of millions of people.
Dr. Pathak’s multi-pronged efforts in bringing scavengers, worst victims of institutionalized caste discrimination and engaged in sub-human occupation, in the mainstream of national life, have taken the shape of a movement for social justice and social reform
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Dr. Pathak is a multifaceted personality and combines in himself the traits of a social scientist, an engineer, an administrator and an institution-builder
A R PAT HA K With his efforts the erstwhile untouchables have been allowed by the society to intermingle with them, to live on a par with them, dine with them and offer prayers in the temples. He has created a new culture which embraces the poor and extols the dignity of labour. His boundless love for the downtrodden finds expression in myriad and tangible ways. No wonder those who know him intimately swear that Dr. Pathak is born to help the helpless. He is the leader of an international crusade for restoration of human rights and dignity to millions of scavengers (cleaners and carriers of human excreta), traditionally known as untouchables; and for providing safe and hygienic human waste disposal system which can benefit 700 million Indians who go for open defecation. Dr. Pathak’s multi-pronged efforts in bringing scavengers, worst victims of institutionalized caste discrimination and engaged in sub-human occupation, in the mainstream of national life, have taken the shape of a movement for social justice and social reform. Dr. Pathak is an internationally acclaimed expert on sanitation and he has developed and implemented on pan-Indian scale a low-cost and appropriate toilet technology (popularly known as the Sulabh Shauchalaya System) which invention has been declared as a Global Best Practice by United Nations HABITAT and UNCHS (United Nations Centre for Human Settlements). To him goes the credit of sensitizing towards sanitation, Indians and those engaged in the sanitation work. Apart from low-cost sanitation, his contributions are widely known in the areas of bio-energy and bio-fertilizer, liquid and solid waste management, poverty alleviation and integrated rehabilitation programme for the liberated scavengers.
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BRIEF LIFE MA J O R CONT 1943-1960 EARLY LIFE, EXPOSURE AND EPIPHANY
Born on 2nd April, 1943 in a small backward village of Rampur Baghel in Vaishali district of Bihar. Dr. Pathak studied in village school and did matriculation in 1960. Later he did his MA in Sociology and English and thereafter did his Ph.D. and D.Litt.
When Dr. Pathak was just a child he touched an untouchable scavenger lady which was seen by his grandmother. All hell broke loose and his grandmother apart from berating him made him eat cow dung, drink cow urine and pour Ganges water over his head in order to purify him.
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SKETCH AND RIBUTIONS
In his village everybody used to go for defecation in the open including his own family. In the neighbouring village there was a bucket toilet in the house of a Zamindaar which used to be cleaned by a human scavenger and for that matter she had to live on the outskirts of the village. While as a child he witnessed all the three situations and but never realized that one day he will be engaged in solving these problems of more than 5000 years and leading the crusade to free these human scavengers from the shackles of untouchability.
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1968 GANDHI, SCAVENGERS AND DR. PATHAK
Dr. Pathak joined the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee and was assigned the task to find out the solution to the problem of open defecation and an alternative to human scavenging to restore the human rights and dignity of untouchables to bring them in the mainstream of society on a par with others.
Dr. Pathak was deeply influenced and motivated with the life, the work and the teachings of Gandhi. At the same time he was not only pained and anguished but in fact tormented by the plight of the untouchables, loved so dearly by Gandhi, who even after so many years of Independence continued to remain marginalized, socially ostracized and still manually clean human excreta from the pit latrines carrying it as a headload for disposal.
1969 MEMORIES OF LIVING WITH WRETCHED SCAVENGERS
To find out the solution and build up rapport with the untouchables he went and lived in the colony of the untouchables in Bettiah, a small town in Champaran district, Bihar, coincidently the same place where Mahatma Gandhi had started his freedom movement to experience their miseries, humiliations and insults meted out by the people and also learn about their origin, their life and more so their culture.
While living with the untouchables in Bettiah, he was condemned by his own family, the community specially the Brahmins and also by his in-laws. So he was in two minds what to do and what not to do. One day he was going to have a cup of tea with some friends of the colony. They saw that a boy was attacked by a bull and people rushed to save him but somebody shouted from the crowd that the boy belongs to the untouchable colony. Dr. Pathak was shocked to see everybody leave him and go away. Then he and his friends took him to the nearby hospital where he died. Dr. Pathak then took a vow to fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and free the untouchables from this demeaning practice of cleaning human excreta manually. From here his story begins.
1970 SOLVING PROBLEM: INVENTION OF SULABH TECHNOLOGY
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Mahatma Gandhi himself said that till untouchables clean nightsoil nobody will have food with the them so Dr. Pathak realized that there was a need of a technology which will replace the bucket toilets cleaned by them. After doing extensive research he invented the technology which would replace the bucket toilet. This invention of Dr. Pathak can be equated with the story of James Watt, who saw the steam coming out from the kettle, leading to his inventing the steam engine. Similarly Dr. Pathak gave the concept that human excreta can be
Sulabh two pit pour flush ecological compost toilets
decomposed with the contact of soil and keeping this principle in mind he invented, innovated and developed the ecological two pit compost flush toilet which was popularized by the name of Sulabh Shauchalaya or Sulabh Toilet.
In this Sulabh Shauchalaya technology there are two pits. When one pit is full, the incoming excreta is diverted to the second pit. In about two years, the excreta gets digested and becomes dry and pathogen free, thus safe for handling as manure. Digested sludge is odourless and is a good manure and soil-conditioner. This technological invention made a pathbreaking difference in the lives of untouchables.
With the advent of the Sulabh Shauchalaya, the women of the villages now go to the toilets with safety and dignity, without being affected by snake bite and unwanted social elements, girls also started going to schools etc. Had Dr. Pathak not invented this technology then there would have been no chance of ending the practice of manual cleaning of night soil and stopping defecation in the open.
The measure of success of the Sulabh two pit compost toilet is evident from the fact that United Nations Development Programme in its Human Development Report 2003 stated…. “pioneering work by Sulabh International, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has shown that human waste can be disposed of affordably and in a socially acceptable way….” More recently the BBC Horizons has also declared the Sulabh technologies as one of five unique inventions of the world.
Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call to end the practice of defecation in the open from India and to provide toilets to each and every house by 2019, to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth Anniversary, is based on the technology invented by Dr. Pathak.
After the conversion of bucket toilets and construction of Sulabh Shauchalayas millions of scavengers have been freed from the sub-human occupation and shackles of untouchability.
After liberating these untouchable human scavengers Dr. Pathak ensured their livelihood and sustenance by giving them education, vocational training in different trades enabling them to get gainful employment. They have now learnt beauty-care, tailoring, making pickle, papadam and masala, noodles, jam etc. Dr. Pathak has also helped them to perform rights, rituals and ceremonies of the Brahmins and upper caste. Now the untouchable scavengers, including those of Alwar and Tonk in Rajasthan have been freed from the shackles of untouchability.
In a landmark National function ‘Untouchability No More’ held on 13th April 2015 to mark the eve of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the untouchables shared a common meal with Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Home Minister of India and also exchanged food with the Brahmins and upper castes who partook food from the hands of the untouchables.
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Dr. Pathak founded Sulabh Shauchalaya Sansthan now known as Sulabh International Social Service Organisation on the principles that Government and NGOs will work together to solve the problems of manual scavenging and defecation in the open.
This organization has not received any grant or donation from within the country or outside. At present this organization has been working in 25 states, 4 UTs, 1599 towns and it has 50,000 volunteers to fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi.
1974 PAY & USE – BASED COMMUNITY TOILETS
Dr. Pathak gave the concept of maintaining public toilets on ‘pay & use’ basis. In 1876 an Act was passed by British Government to maintain public toilets in Calcutta on the same basis but it could not work. The public toilets in India had a melancholy distinction of being referred to as hell on the earth and nobody liked to go inside the public toilet to use them. Dr. Pathak introduced the pay and use system after a lapse of nearly a century after it was first advocated.
He got constructed the first public toilet in Patna, Bihar having 48 seats, 20 bathrooms, urinals, wash basins etc and provided soap powder to clean hands with round the clock maintenance. Initially there was skepticism and jokes were cracked about this new experiment and innovation that who will pay for the use of toilets in Patna, Bihar but the concept worked. 500 people came to use the toilet first day and it has been so successful that it was replicated throughout the country. Apart from other NGOs and companies, Sulabh on its own is maintaining 8000 public toilets in 25 states and 4 Union Territories in 1599 towns and cities which are used by 15 million people daily. This experiment of Dr. Pathak has crossed the national boundaries and gone international. In Kabul Sulabh is maintaining five public toilets with biogas plants which has acted as a boon for the local people and these inventions, innovations and experiments have been accepted in China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and many countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
1977 PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS FROM SULABH PUBLIC TOILETS
In 1977 Dr. Pathak invented, innovated and developed another technology of providing energy from human waste and also to treat the effluent water waste to be used as fertilizer or to discharge safely in the river bodies like Ganga, Yamuna etc. In this technology human excreta produces biogas and it is used for burning lamp, cooking food, warming oneself in winter season. The biogas is also converted into energy to supply as street light and the generator is run 100% on biogas. Water discharge from the biogas plant is treated very well and the BOD is less than ten and to be used in maintaining public toilets or using as a fertilizer or discharged into water bodies.
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INVENTIONS BY DR. PATHAK IN THE SPHERE OF SANITATION
Sulabh Two Pit Ecological Compost Toilet Dr. Pathak’s invented the two-pit ecologically compatible compost toilet popularly known as Sulabh Shauchalaya for individual households for safe and hygienic disposal of human waste. In this technology there are two pits. One is used at a time and the other is kept as a standby. When the first gets filled up, excreta is switched over to the other one. In the first one, within two years, the period it takes for the second pit to get filled up, the human excreta gets converted into bio-fertilizer with the help of bacteria present in the soil. It requires only one litre of water per use to flush. This is economical, saves water and it has no vent pipe so there is no chance of air pollution. The Sulabh Two Pit Ecological Compost Toilet, invented by Dr. Pathak, has been designed in such a way that the poorest of the poor, the middle class and even the affluent persons can have the facilities of Sulabh toilets because the cost of construction is affordable and the range is suitable to suit the needs and choices of the beneficiaries.
Sulabh Public toilets on ‘pay & use’ basis Dr. Pathak also developed and gave the concept of community latrines by constructing public toilets on ‘pay & use’ basis in Bihar for the first time in the year 1974. This is a landmark in the history of sanitation when the system of operating and maintaining community toilets with bathing and urinal facilities (popularly known as Sulabh Shauchalaya Complex) was initiated at Patna on ‘pay & use’ basis with people’s participation and without any burden on public exchequer or local authorities. It received a very encouraging response from the people over the years; the Patna experiment has been replicated throughout the country.
Sulabh Biogas Plant Another invention of Dr. Pathak is the Sulabh Biogas Plant where human excreta in the Sulabh Public toilet does not go waste. It is linked to the Sulabh Biogas Plant where it is treated and converted into gas. This Sulabh biogas is then used for cooking, lighting lamp, electricity generation, warming oneself and also street lighting.
Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant Dr. Pathak’s other pathbreaking invention is the Sulabh Effluent Treatment (SET) plant which is attached to the Sulabh public toilet. After treatment the discharged effluent becomes colourless, odourless and free from organic particles and the bacteria is eliminated. The treated water then become safe for use for aquaculture, agriculture, gardening or can be discharged into any water body like the Ganges and Yamuna without causing any pollution.
Sulabh Purified Drinking Water Dr. Pathak’s latest invention is Sulabh Purified Drinking Water. The impure water from rivers, ponds, water bodies and taps is purified by using the Sulabh technologies and becomes safe for human consumption. Sulabh is bottling this water which is available for Rs. 0.50 per litre. At the entrance of the Sulabh campus it is also available in the Sulabh Water ATM.
Sulabh has installed 200 biogas plants in the country and 5 biogas plants in Kabul, Afghanistan where the Sulabh biogas plants have been working very efficiently since their installation in 2007 till date. In 2007 when the temperature in Kabul went down to –300C all the biogas plants worked very well. So this technology can work successfully even in the cold climate like Ladakh etc. or at the high altitudes. In Patna the electricity produced from biogas was supplied from Kotwali Police station to Sanjay Gandhi Park for about 7 years without interruption. So the gas produced can be good source of alternative source of energy and it fulfills all the conditions of sustainable development.
1978 HISTORICAL SEMINAR
A National Seminar was organized in Patna by the Government of India where the representatives of all the State Governments, WHO, UNICEF participated. All these representatives went house to house to see the functioning of individual household toilets and also the maintenance of public toilets in Patna. After three days deliberation it was decided that both the technologies and the methodologies to implement the programme and to maintain public toilets should be extended to all parts of the country.
1980 LEGAL PROTECTION
On persuasion of Dr. Pathak, the then Ministry of Home Affairs got the programme of conversion of dry latrines into two pit pour flush toilets to get the scavengers relieved from sub-human occupation under Untouchability (Offences) Act 1955 was amended in 1976 and renamed as The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. In this programme in the first two years in 1980-82, five towns of Bihar were taken viz. Biharsharif, Purnia, Daltaunganj, Chaibasa, Madhubani and later on this programme was extended to other states of India. From 1980 onwards the WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UN-Habitat, WSSCC and many other national and international organizations took up the programme of provision of toilets in the houses on the basis of technology invented by Dr. Pathak.
1983 TRAINING OF SCAVENGERS AND DR. PATHAK
Dr. Pathak took up the cause of training to the wards of scavengers when the then Prime Minister of India, Hon’ble Mrs. Indira Gandhi replied in Lok Sabha that on the one hand she wanted to relieve the scavengers from sub human occupation and on the other they should be trained and rehabilitated in other occupation. 1000 of boys and girls have been trained in different vocations or settled in their life. The training was such that none of the boys and girls remained unemployed.
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Dr. Pathak’s first interaction with manual scavengers of Alwar, Rajasthan
1985 TRAINING AND REHABILITATION
With the help of the Ministry of Welfare, Government of India, Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, and the Bihar State Scheduled Castes Development Corporation, Sulabh started a training and rehabilitation programme for the wards of scavengers in different trades like shorthand, typing, motor driving, mechanics, masonry work, carpentry, canework, etc. A large number of children of scavengers have already been trained. This programme was to be extended to cover the entire country. The programme was later expanded to include regular education and technical training.
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
The UNDP and the World Bank after evaluation of the Sulabh technology of the pour-flush toilet and the methodology of the maintenance of public toilets and baths on ‘pay-and-use’ basis, passed it on to the countries of South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America for their adoption.
PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS (PCR) ACT
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak persuaded the Ministry of Welfare to give stipends to the wards of Muslim and Christian scavengers also for training and rehabilitation. Earlier, these were available only to Hindu scavengers. Without this, the wards of Muslim and Christian scavengers would have been left out and the movement for their liberation and rehabilitation would have suffered a setback.
1988 SCAVENGERS IN TEMPLE Dr. Pathak solved the problem of entry of Harijans into the Nathdwara Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, for prayers in 1988. The controversy of entering the temple had taken a serious turn and so many attempts made by others had failed. The situation became so serious that the then President of India, Mr. R. Venkataraman, wanted himself to lead Harijans into the temple. Even the political leaders and state government officials had to go to the temple with police protection. This attracted Dr. Pathak’s attention who, with more than Entering a temple – a dream fulfilled on December 21, 2008 of scavengers (untouchables) whose entry was banned for centuries due to the practice of untouchability
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200 scavengers and orthodox Vedic Maithil Brahmins, entered the Nathdwara Temple, offered prayers and
recited ‘bhajans’ and ‘kirtans’. The scavengers and the whole group took their meal together. This programme was performed without police protection. On return from the Nathdwara Temple, Dr. Pathak, along with the scavengers and the Vedic Brahmins, was given audience by President Venkataraman, the then Vice-President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and the late Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. This act of Dr. Pathak was quite in line with Dr. Ambedkar’s who had led a group of Harijans to draw water from a public tank, Chodor Talen, at Mahad in Kolaba district of Maharashtra in 1927 and led another Satyagraha to establish the right of the untouchables to enter the famous temple of Kalaran in Nasik in 1930.
1989 CASTELESS PUJA
On his return from Nathdwara, Dr. Pathak launched a campaign to help the Scheduled Castes offer prayers in temples and perform puja at their homes by Vedic
The age-old practice of untouchability and discrimination ends with priests of the upper ‘Brahmin’ caste accepting to offer their sweets to the deity for ‘prasad’.
Brahmins. Also, he started common puja and dining programmes where members of the Scheduled Castes did fasting, sat on the puja and prepared ‘prasad’. They also prepared lunch and dinner. After the puja was over, the prasad and food were distributed by the Scheduled Castes to all, including the Vedic Brahmins, who also ate with them. This programme, which continued since then, got wide acceptance.
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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak entering the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi on Jan 29, 2011
HOLY DIP : Taking the sacred bath in the holy river Ganga at the Dashwashmedh Ghat at Varansi
Erstwhile woman and girl from Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan along with Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah offering prayer at Rajasthan on June 24, 2011
Erstwhile women and girls seavengers with Dr. Pathak at the Church-Sacred Heart Cathedral, at New Delhi
1990 SOCIAL UPGRADATION OF SCAVENGERS
To improve the social status of scavengers in India, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak launched a movement to socially upgrade them. This was a novel concept. There was a question mark as to whether after liberation, training and education, scavengers and their children would have upgraded status in society to be on a par with the so-called upper caste people. To socially upgrade the scavengers’ status in society, Sulabh started a social upgradation campaign. One high-status family has to “socially adopt” a scavenger family who will be treated like family members. The association with these high-status people will raise the status of the scavengers. This programme took off very well. Almost 5,000 scavenger families were “adopted” by high-status people, including judges, advocates, journalists, ministers and planners.
1992 EDUCATION THAT EMPOWERS
Sulabh set up a quality English medium school in Delhi known as the Sulabh Public School primarily for the sons and daughters of the untouchable scavengers. In this school 60% of the children are from the weaker sections and rest are from other families. So there is no discrimination. The Sulabh Vocational Training Centre was also set up to provide vocational training to the children of the untouchables in various trades enabling them to earn their own livelihood. This unique experiment was proposed to be extended to other states also. The idea was that: Education alone can empower the weak and poor.
NATIONAL SEMINAR ON LIBERATION AND REHABILITATION
In February 1992, Sulabh organised a ‘National Seminar on Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers’ in New Delhi in which Vice-Chancellors, professors, planners, and administrators passed a resolution to make it a people’s movement. The seminar was inaugurated by the former President of India, late Giani Zail Singh. Dr. Pathak regularly took steps to create social awareness against unfounded beliefs and prejudices. He organised conferences, seminars, workshops, plays and folk dances on these themes. The attempt was to involve a large number of people from all walks of life in order to speed up the pace of the movement.
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1994 THE SULABH INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOILETS
The first of its kind in the world, the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets was set up in Delhi. The museum, through artefacts, pictures, posters and other available materials, tells the story of the development of toilets through the ages. This is the star attraction in the Sulabh campus and so far nearly 28 lacs have visited the Museum.
1996 DUCKWEED PROJECT
Sulabh demonstrated an eco-friendly low-cost technology for waste water treatment through duckweed. The technology, besides having low operational and maintenance costs, gives economic return in area of pisciculture.
1997 SULABH THERMOPHILIC AEROBIC COMPOSTING (STAC)
Sulabh developed a new technology for composting of biodegradable wastes. The technology known as Sulabh Thermophilic Aerobic Composting (STAC) requires only 8-10 days to degrade any biodegradable materials without churning.
1998 PEOPLE’S COMMISSION
Sulabh set up a People’s Commission on the Abolition of Scavenging. The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, inaugurated the Commission at a function organised on November 26, 1998 to honour him with the Sulabh Honest Man of the Year Award 1997. Justice M.N. Venkatachalliah, former Chief Justice of India, and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, was the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Commission.
2000-2001 SULABH TOWARDS VILLAGES
Started the programme ‘Sulabh Towards Villages’, a national campaign to improve rural sanitation. Country-wide programme for training of women in sanitation, health and hygiene was also launched.
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SUCCESS OF SANITAITON TECHNOLOGIES INVENTED BY DR. PATHAK Dr. Pathak has shown the way, a candle in the darkness and the beginning of the beginning. Sulabh alone has installed 1.3 million toilets in individual houses and about 8000 public toilets which are used by more than 15 million people daily. This has resulted in more than a million untouchable scavengers being relieved from this subhuman occupation. The success and efficacy of this technological innovation is evident from the fact that in rural areas the Government of India on the design of Dr. Pathak got installed about 54 million toilets. Now, the Sulabh work has crossed over into Afghanistan, Nepal, South East Asia, Africa and Latin America. The concept and practice developed by Dr. Pathak has received worldwide recognition and today many of the developing countries are replicating the model in their own country. It has been recognized by the UNDP as a Global Best Practice, which could be an instrument for achieving Millennium Development Goals for providing sanitation and human excreta disposal facilities to more than 2 billion people who have no such facilities. Dr. Pathak’s Sulabh Technology has been evaluated by the United Nations and Sulabh has been granted General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. BBC in its 'Horizons Programme' has listed the Sulabh’s toilet system as one of the five defining inventions of the world in the 20th century.
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Tailoring
Bank Transaction
2002 SULABH EFFLUENT TREATMENT (SET)
Dr. Pathak developed a new and convenient technology to make biogas plant effluents free from colour, odour and pathogen. The technology known as Sulabh Effluent Treatment (SET) lowers BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of effluent to less than 10 mg/l, making it suitable for agriculture, aquaculture or safe discharge into a river or any water body or cleaning of floors.
2003 ď Ź
WASH campaign launched in collaboration with the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, Switzerland.
ď Ź
Started the Sulabh Vocational Training Centre for the erstwhile untouchable scavengers which was named as NAI DISHA at Alwar, Rajasthan where training is being imparted in making papadam, noodles, pickle, jam, beauty care, tailoring, carpet weaving etc.
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Making-papad
Education
Beauty-care
2004-2006
Members of the U.N. Millennium Project Task Force on Water and Sanitation visited the Sulabh Campus to take stock of Dr. Pathak's successful sanitation technologies.
Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation came in to existece.
Sulabh activities find mention in President of India APJ Abdul Kalam’s book “Mission India”- A Vision for Indian Youth”
UNDP re-recognized Sulabh technologies in its Human Development Report.
24 professionals, including representatives of the UN–HABITAT covering 14 African countries, attended the International Capacity Building Workshop organized by Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation in collaboration with the UN – HABITAT.
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Sulabh Toilet Complex attached with Biogas Plant at Kabul, Afghanistan
Inside View of Sulabh Public Toilet, Kabul, Afghanistan
Stanford University included an article on Sulabh ‘That Gandhi may not be born again’ in its curriculum.
Five public toilets with biogas plants were set up in Kabul, Afghanistan with the financial support of the Government of India.
2007 COMMUNITY TOILET COMPLEXES IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
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On the request of the Kabul Municipality and the Government of India, Sulabh has constructed five ‘Community Toilet Complexes’ in Kabul, Afghanistan, under aid from the Government of India to Afghanistan. They were completed along with an intensive awareness campaign over nine working months at a cost of Rs. 3.27 crore, by a dedicated Sulabh team under the guidance of Dr. Pathak.
The five toilet complexes were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mayor of Kabul and His Excellency Ambassador of India to Afghanistan on September 23, 2007. Sulabh has already trained personnel from the Kabul Municipality and local people to operate and maintain these complexes on a pay-and-use basis. Users are charged two Afghans per use. The cost of operation and maintenance (O&M) of the toilet complexes are met from the charges from the users.
WORLD TOILET SUMMIT
The seventh World Toilet Summit was organized by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and World Toilet Organisation, in New Delhi from October 31 to November 3, 2007 in which 150 distinguished scholars, academics, economists and leaders from 44 countries participated. This Summit provided a forum to exchange ideas, discuss strategies and sanitation technologies suitable for different countries, climes and cultures. It sought to produce a synthesis of knowledge and experiences and evolve a common view on how best to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on Water and Sanitation by 2015. It was also organized to build a global alliance towards this end.
A FASHION SHOW FOR A CAUSE AT EMBASSY OF BULGARIA
Fashion Show: ‘Mission Sanitation – a fashion show for a cause’ was held at the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi when former scavengers and the trainees of Sulabh’s Nai Disha centre in Alwar assembled on the dais after walking the ramp with prominent Indian models, showcasing their talent.
World Toilet Summit provided a forum to exchange ideas, discuss strategies and sanitation technologies suitable for different countries, climes and cultures. It sought to produce a synthesis of knowledge and experiences and evolve a common view on how best to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on Water and Sanitation by 2015. It was also organized to build a global alliance towards this end.
2008 LIBERATED SCAVENGERS OF ALWAR VISITED NEW YORK
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) invited Sulabh International Social Service Organisation to host ‘Mission Sanitation’, a special cultural event in collaboration with UN-NGO-IRENE Network at the United Nations, New York City, on July 2, 2008, to seek and raise awareness and accelerate progress towards improved sanitation worldwide.
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Freedom at Last ! Sharing Liberty in front of the Statue of Liberty
Liberated scavengers on ramp with world famous models in New York, USA Paying Homage to the Mahatma after return from New York
A fashion show was organized where rehabilitated women scavengers, accompanied by prominent models wearing Indian garments designed by them, walked the ramp at the United Nations in front of galaxy of foreign diplomats with great pride and grace.
The liberated women scavengers also visited the Statue of Liberty at New York, a symbol of liberty, equality and freedom and they were so overwhelmed that from this great monument they gave a clarion call that they are no more ‘untouchables’ and have now achieved real freedom.
On coming back, they paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat Samadhi, in New Delhi on July 15, (2008).
THE PRESIDENT BLESSED THE ERSTWHILE UNTOUCHABLE SCAVENGERS The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, received Mrs. Usha Chaumar and other liberated scavengers at Rashtrapati Bhawan on July 25, 2008 on their return from New York. The President wished them a happy and prosperous new life, after being freed from ageold social prejudices and stated in her address “….. If Mahatma Gandhi was watching today’s function from Heaven, his eyes would be brimming with tears of joy. I do not think any other programme in the country would give so much happiness to Hon’ble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, crowning Mrs. Usha Chaumar at the Rashtrapati Bhawan
Mahatma Gandhi as this one.”
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UNTOUCHABLES ENTER TEMPLE, AND DINED TOGETHER WITH UPPER CASTE PEOPLE OF THE SOCIETY A history of sorts was created on December Earth Meeting the Sky: Common Dining at Alwar, Rajasthan
21, 2008 when people witnessed an unprecedented event of common dining
in Hazoori Gate colony of Alwar, where families of the erstwhile untouchable scavengers used to live. It was remarkable that those who earlier thought that even the shadow of a untouchable scavenger following on them will pollute them, now sat together and shared dinner. It was not a small achievement and for Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, it would have been a dream come true. This act showed the way and helped remove the stigma of social untouchability and discrimination from the caste-ridden Indian society: a shameful practice of 5000 years.
2009 PROF. RAJMOHAN GANDHI VISIT TO THE SULABH CAMPUS
Liberated untouchable families from remotest parts of India like Alwar in Rajasthan shared a meal with Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi who was visibly moved by his experiences at the campus and stated that, “I am the son of the son of Mahatma Gandhi but Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is the son of his soul. If we were to go to meet Mohandas Karamchand
A unique lunch, when Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi dined with the liberated and rehabilitated untouchable scavengers, at the Sulabh campus, New Delhi on January 5, 2009.
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Gandhi, he would first greet Dr. Pathak for the noble work that he is doing and then meet me. Dr. Pathak has restored human rights and dignity to people engaged in the manual cleaning of human excreta which they carried as head-load”.
2009
His Excellency Shri Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden and Her Excellency Mrs. Filippa Reinfeldt visited the Sulabh Campus and saw the various models of Sulabh Two Pit Compost toilet, the Sulabh biogas plant, the Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant, and other technological inventions as also the
Dr. Pathak showing the treated water to His Excellency Shri Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden taken out from the Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant
Sulabh Museum of Toilets and the Sulabh Public School etc.
The Belgian Ambassador to India, His Excellency Mr. Jean M. Deboutte also visited the Sulabh Campus and stated: “…A unique and great project to give human dignity to the most underprivileged of the society. Your work deserves admiration and respect. It is an example for others!”
The World Toilet Day on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, was celebrated to give due importance to sanitation for a healthy living, to keep the environment clean and to make it liveable at The Lalit Hotel (Intercontinental), New Delhi on November 19, 2009.
2010
His Excellency Mr. Timothy J. Roemer, Ambassador of the United States of America to India and Her Excellency Mrs. Sally Roemer, wife of the Ambassador visited the Sulabh Campus on January 15, 2010.
HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium also visited the Sulabh Campus on March 23, 2010.
The World Health Day was celebrated in New Delhi on April 07, 2010.
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Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium with the children of Sulabh Public School
Mr. Timothy J. Roemer Ambassador of United States to India at the Sulabh Public School
2011
United Nations the Economic and Social Council of has granted ‘General Consultative Status’ to Sulabh International Social Service Organisation for its outstanding contribution in the field of sanitation, human rights, removal of untouchability and improving the living conditions of millions of people. The Council had earlier granted Special Consultative status to Sulabh.
2012 REWARDING BRIDES WHO REVOLTED AGAINST LACK OF TOILET
Smt. Anita Bai Narre, a newly married bride who revolted against the lack of a toilet at her in-laws’ house was honoured by Sulabh International at Mavalankar Hall, New Delhi on March 19, 2012 and given an award for this bold step.
Mrs. Priyanka Bharti, Mrs. Priyanka and Mrs. Kumari Jyoti, newly wed brides from Uttar Pradesh who also revolted against lack of toilet in their in-laws’ place being awarded by Sulabh International at a function held in village Vishnupur Khurd, District Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh on June 28, 2012.
SULABH TAKES UP THE CAUSE OF THE WIDOWS OF VRINDAVAN
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India directed the National Service Legal Authority (NALSA) to contact Sulabh to find out whether they could come forward to help the widows living in four government shelters in Vrindavan. Consequently, Dr. Pathak and his organization Sulabh has been working amongst the widows of Vrindavan providing them succor and relief since 2012. Sulabh has been substantially involved since then both in terms of financial help and also uplifting the lives and general conditions of the widows of Vrindavan. It is providing a monthly stipend of Rs 2000/- to nearly 800 widows per month, medical and ambulance facilities, giving them vocational training in garland making, tailoring, agarbatti making to make them self-reliant. The widows are also being taught English, Hindi and Bengali. To bring cheer and happiness in their lives, Sulabh celebrated the festivals of Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas with them and has also taken them on regular excursions to Delhi, Kolkata, Agra etc.
The high point came when these widows of Vrindavan met the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and tied Rakhi on his hands.
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LIGHT AND COLOURS IN LIVES OF WIDOWS OF VRINDAVAN
2013 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIOLOGY OF SANITATION
National Conference on Sociology of Sanitation, organized by Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology in collaboration with Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, was held at Mavalankar Auditorium, New Delhi on January 28 and 29, 2013. Dr. Pathak gave his Theory of Sociology of Sanitation, “Sociology of sanitation is a scientific study to solve the problems of society in relation to sanitation, social deprivation, water, public health, hygiene, ecology, environment, poverty, gender equality, welfare of children and empowering people for sustainable development and attainment of philosophical and spiritual knowledge to lead a happy life and to make a difference in the lives of others.”
LIFE-BUILDING SUPPORT TO CALAMITY RAVAGED PEOPLE IN KEDARNATH
In the Kedarnath deluge, Deoli-Gramsabha village was identified as the worst sufferer. Dr. Pathak launched the Sulabh Sahayata Yojana mainly for the young and middleaged women from Deoli many of whom had become widows. Sulabh is giving a monthly stipend and other facilities to the sufferers, mainly the widows and the old people.
Baby Sukanya was barely two months old when she lost her father in Kedarnath’s devastating deluge. Dr. Pathak has adopted her as his grand-daughter and has also ensured her life time care and upbringing.
Sulabh set-up a Vocational Training Centre at Deoli-Bhanigram village, where training is imparted in tailoring to the women and computer education is given to the children.
MISS UNIVERSE IN SULABH
2012 Miss Universe Ms. Olivia Frances Culpo, visited the Sulabh campus and interacted with the liberated untouchable scavengers and also saw the various technologies invented by Dr. Pathak.
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2014 BBC Horizons has declared Sulabh technologies as one of the five unique inventions of the world. This has been featured on the BBC Horizons programme telecast on 2710-2013 and 30-03-2014.
Dr. Pathak and Ms. Rajini Vaidyanathan of the BBC at the human excreta based Sulabh biogas plant situated in the Sulabh Campus
Three days International Toilet Festival was organized by Sulabh on the occasion of the World Toilet Day. Various programmes under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan were held including the launch of the Sulabh Swachhata Rath. Also displayed was the largest model of the toilet.
TOILET CONSTRUCTION IN NEPAL Sulabh has signed an agreement for construction of toilets at Pashupati Nath Temple and other places in the neighbouring country of Nepal.
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FEBRUARY 28, 2015 Dr. Pathak interacted with the worldwide audience in the well-known interactive programme TEDx Janpath held in the American Centre, New Delhi, which received both national and international acclaim.
JANUARY 5, 2015 Hon’ble Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment visited the Sulabh campus and saw the activities, the various Sulabh technologies and also interacted with untouchables, widows and school children. In his speech he said that in the Sulabh campus he felt as if he was in Heaven.
SULABH PURIFIED DRINKING WATER The Sulabh Purified Drinking Water is the latest initiative from Sulabh. Impure water from the rivers, ponds, water bodies and taps is purified by the Sulabh technologies and becomes safe for human consumption. Sulabh has installed water treatment plants to make the Sulabh Purified Drinking Water at three sites in West Bengal, namely Madhusudankati (24 Parganas, near Bangladesh border), Mayapur and Murshidabad. Raw water is drawn from the river Ganga in Mayapur and Murshidabad, while in Madhusudankati it is taken from a local pond. After its treatment at the Sulabh Water Treatment Plant, the water from the river/pond becomes purified and absolutely safe for drinking. Sulabh is bottling this water which is known as Sulabh Safe Drinking Water which is available for Rs. 0.50 paise per litre. At the entrance of Sulabh Campus it is also available in the Sulabh Water ATM.
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UNTOUCHABILITY NO MORE (APRIL 13, 2015) Hon’ble Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Home Affairs, shared meal with the erstwhile untouchable scavengers on the occasion of the National Function ‘Untouchability No More’ organized by Sulabh to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. On this occasion the families of the higher caste and untouchable scavengers also exchanged greetings and ate from each other hands. This was the landmark occasion held for the first time.
APRIL 8, 2015
Dr. Pathak was invited as a main Speaker by the British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS) at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. He spoke on ‘Sanitation and Women’s Rights in India’ and was also accompanied by an erstwhile untouchable scavenger Mrs. Usha Chaumar, who is also President of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation..
BBC WORLD PROGRAMME: ‘BBC IMPACT’ Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and former untouchable scavenger, Mrs. Usha Chaumar was specially invited and interviewed on the BBC World News channel on 9th April, 2015. The programme known as BBC Impact was compered by the world famous television host and commentator Ms. Yalda Hakim. She referred to Dr. Pathak as ‘Mr. Sanitation’ for his efforts in bringing about a change in the sanitation scenario in India.
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AUGUST 2015 His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma, US Ambassador to India visited the Sulabh Campus on August 13, 2015 to observe and appreciate the successful technologies and social change programmes.
OCTOBER 2015
A group photograph with the widows of Vrindavan
His Excellency Dr. Sabit Subasic, Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to India, His Excellency Mr. Andrés Barbé Gonzales, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to India, His Excellency Mr. Georges de La Roche Du Ronzet, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to India and His Excellency Mr. Vladimir Maric, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to India, visited the Sulabh Campus on October 27, 2015.
Hon’ble Mr. Phil Scanlan, Chairman, New York Global Leaders Dialogue, Harvard Club, USA and Ms. Pam Kwatra, Executive Board Member, New York Global Leader Dialogue, Harvard Club, USA, toured Varanasi and New Delhi on 11-13th October, 2015 and interacted with hundreds of liberated untouchable scavengers, widows, community women and activists and professionals of Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement. During their stay in New Delhi, they also addressed scores of media professionals at Hotel Taj Palace.
2015 HOLY GANGA, INDIA'S PRIME MINISTER AND DR. PATHAK
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The stairs at Assi Ghat of the holy city Varanasi were covered with dirty mud. Common visitors and pilgrims could not use the Ghat. In October, 2014, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi started a cleaning campaign digging the mud himself with a spade. The very next day
the district magistrate of Varanasi approached Dr. Pathak with a request to get the entire Assi Ghat cleaned up. Though it was an enormous task, but Dr. Pathak accepted to perform it. On 8th November, 2014, Sulabh initiated the work and in a record time of less then four months cleaned all the 52 stairs of the Ghat thoroughly. The Ghat was opened for all on February 22, 2015. Now Ganga Aarti takes place there at 5:00 a.m. along with Yoga Camp and Hawan. Several cultural programmes are held there in the evenings. The Ghat has became a visiting place for the tourists as well as for shooting of films. Deluxe Modern Sulabh Public Toilets have been built there. Now Assi Ghat has became a holy place that it had been in the past as well as a tourist place of interest. On 2nd October, 2015, Sulabh was awarded with ‘Safaigiri Award’ by India Today Group in the category of ‘Cleanest Ghat’ of the country. On behalf of Sulabh, its President Mrs. Usha Chaumar received the award from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
A view of Cleanest Assi Ghat
MANY MILESTONES ACHIEVED, YET LONG MARCH CONTINUES Dr. Pathak has participated in more than 100 national and international conferences, seminars and presented his papers on wide ranging topics specially on sanitation, social justice, untouchabilty etc. The activities of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation have been widely appreciated by renowned personalities as well as by National and International leaders and Organisations. Dr. Pathak has been selected for the prestigious 2016 ‘New York Global Leaders Dialogue Humanitarian Award’ for his decades longed humanitarian work which has enhanced the quality of life for millions of human beings. Indeed, Dr. Pathak stands tall and his crusade continues. Recently, the world famous newspaper ‘The Economist’ has ranked Dr. Pathak amongst top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life in the world.
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What Abraham Lincoln did for Blacks in America, Dr. Pathak has done for scavengers in India. Both are great redeemers. Dr. Mulk Raj Anand, A noted writer
S OME R E MA R KS PERSONALITIES
I read with great sympathy your account of the situation of the scavengers community, and I congratulate you on the work which you are doing on its behalf. I am sure your International Saint Francis Prize for the Environment was richly deserved. Boutros-Boutros Ghali, former Secretary General of United Nations
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The Sulabh movement is indeed a reminder and jolt to conscience. It is performing the double task of socially rehabilitating the suffering segment of our society and providing healthy and clean municipal life. It deserves all support. I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister of India
Dr. Pathak’s work is very seminal. It is humane and educative. Dr. Wally N’Dow, Secretary-General, Habitat
The centre of Sulabh is everything I imagined and much more. A centre of inspiration, liberation and human vitality. I will remember forever this visit and remain a disciple and willing promotee of their wonderful ideas and activities in an area most people are too shy even to talk about. Nearly everything which works began with an idea and a small group of people committed to work to realize it. Thank you Dr. Pathak and your co-workers for your inspiration and achievements. Sir Richard Jolly Special Advisor to the Administrator UNDP, Chairman, Collaboration Council for Drinking Water and Sanitation
BY E M I NE NT O N D R . PAT HA K As a staunch defender of the environment, UNEP is honoured to pay tribute to your commitment and we hope that this recognition ‘Global 500 Roll of Honour’ will encourage you to continue your work. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations. Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
For his social reform movement, Dr. Pathak can be compared to Dayanand Saraswati and Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Dr. Karan Singh, former Union Minister, diplomat, great scholar and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak deserves the gratitude of the Nation. Khushwant Singh, eminent journalist
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Technology from Sulabh can help alleviate the water and sanitation problems in a big way if replicated in other countries. We can achieve the MDGs within the prescribed period with the help of a social organization like Sulabh. Margaret Catley-Carlson Global Water Partnership
One organisation which works to improve the state for sanitation in the country is Sulabh, founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in 1970. Sulabh is the largest internationally recognized pan-Indian social service outfit with over 35,000 volunteers. It began through Pathak’s desire to help scavengersmen and women who carry and dispose of human excreta. He developed a two-pit pour flush toilet (known as the Sulabh shauchalaya) which did not require scavenging to clean. Subsequently, Sulabh also started pay-and-use public toilets, popularly known as Sulabh Complexes, with bath, laundry and toilet facilities. These are used by about ten million people every day. Sulabh has also pioneered the production of biogas and bio-fertilizer from excretabased plants. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India
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Now that the world is shrinking, leaders of the world unite to initiate a global approach to the problems of sanitation and water supply which have also become a tool for social change. In this field, the role of Sulabh International Social Service Organization is crucial. Sulabh is a known name not only in India but also in other countries. I have read about Sulabh and now I know how Sulabh makes things happen. Dr. Jan P. Pronk Chairman, Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council
The Sulabh technology is revolutionary. The efficacy of the system lies in its cost effectiveness and hence can be accepted globally. We are definitely going to mention Sulabh technologies and initiatives in our report. Roberto Lenton Chairman of the U.N. Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Task Force on Water and Sanitation
International experience in the management of public services shows that delivery of services can be vastly improved if a distinction is made between the ownership of these services (by the government) and the delivery of such services (by private and local enterprises). Thus, a compilation of twenty-four case studies from twelve countries all over the world has concluded that in every case where the management of a public service was contracted out to private groups or enterprises, the distribution and quality of the service improved and the net cost to the public was reduced. In India also, there are successful examples of ‘micro-privatization’ (Such as Sulabh Sauchalayas and Public Call Offices). These initiatives need to be replicated in respect of other services. Bimal Jalan, Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
Pathak founded the organization Sulabh International in 1970. It is now India’s largest charity, with 50,000 on its staff. Millions of Indians have installed the Sulabh Shauchalaya latrine. Of more interest to nonIndians will be the half a million* public toilets that Sulabh had built all over India. Every day, ten million Indians--and plenty of relieved foreign travellers--use a Sulabh toilet, because they are in railway stations, airports, on the main streets of India’s cities. Pathak’s toilet blocks are so common, Indians now say “I’m going to the Sulabh,” and the word toilet can be left silent. Rose George A noted writer in DOING GOOD WELL *More than 8000 public toilets
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In India we have already witnessed the dramatic impact that ordinary citizens can have. Bindeshwar Pathak’s invention of the dry toilet – the Sulabh shauchalya, built to function with little water and a selfcleaning pit – has done more than any bans on discrimination in helping put an end to the sordid work of manual scavenging that the Dalit Bhangi caste had been forced into for centuries. Nandan Nilekani Co-chairman, Infosys Technologies Ltd. in IMAGINING INDIA Sulabh created a low-cost toilet technology that not only helped maintain sanitation but also restored the dignity of millions of “scavengers”, the cleaners of human excreta who are traditionally untouchables. The West’s toilet technology, composed of sewage and septic tanks, was unaffordable for India’s teeming millions. Pathak’s technology relies on two simple pits and sealed covers. While one pit is in use, the other is left to decompose, forming a fertilizer that can be used in agricultural fields. Equally important, human waste no longer requires manual cleansing. Tarun Khanna Jorge Paulo Lehmann Professor, Harvard Business School in BILLIONS OF ENTREPRENEURS
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Besides governments, there are many other non-profit organizations seeking to alleviate some of the world’s problems caused by poor sanitation. Through the WTO, I met another impressive social entrepreneur, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh International Social Service Organization. Sulabh builds affordable, eco-friendly and hygienic toilets in rural and urban India. It is the largest nongovernmental organization in India. More than 10 million people use a Sulabh toilet daily. Unfortunately, this is literally a drop in a cistern for a country with a population of 1.1 billion people and where 65 per cent still defecate in the open. Willie Cheng A noted writer in DOING GOOD WELL
Sulabh International showed me a good example during my recent visit to New Delhi. This organization has proved how effective small-scale solutions can be and how they can be extended all over India within a short time span. Thousands of ‘Pay and Use’ public toilet-cum-bath complexes and more than a million pour-flush latrines in private houses have been built (and are maintained) and they are used by more than ten million people everyday. By doing so, Sulabh has restored human dignity and given a new future to thousands of untouchables. HRH Willem-Alexander the Prince of Orange of the Netherlands Chairman of the United Nations’ Secretary-General’s Advisory Board of Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) In Launch of International Year of Sanitation New York on November 21, 2007
I congratulate you on what you have achieved, which you richly deserve, for which there is no comparison. You have done such a great job and I would like to tell you that Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak has brought about a revolution, a very big revolution. Financial revolution can come about and can be brought about, but to bring a revolution in the mind set of people is a very big achievement, a very difficult job which Dr. Pathak has brought about. The Hon’ble President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on 25th July, 2008
Dr. Pathak contributions are unparalleled and only one of its kind in the world. Prof. Hidemi Yoshid Associate Professor Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan on March 11, 2015
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D R . PAT H A K ’ S PERSPECTIVE The widespread phenomenon of open
More than 1.3 million bucket toilets have been converted into Sulabh Shauchalayas, liberating nearly more than a million untouchable scavengers from the sub-human occupation of cleaning human excreta and carrying it as head-load.
defecation exists even after 68 years of India’s Independence. Women, especially, are the worst sufferers due to nonavailability of affordable toilets. Even today 122 million Indian households have no toilets and 13 million houses have bucket toilets causing filth and diseases. The situation is so appalling that more than half a million children die every year due to dehydration and diseases caused by open defecation.
Environmental cleanliness and sanitation were subjects closest to Mahatma Gandhi’s heart who proclaimed that ‘Cleanliness is next only to Godliness’. Gandhiji had said, “There are many things to do, let each one of us choose our task and stick to it through thick and thin. Let us pick up that position which we can handle best.” Gandhiji had two ideas in mind while talking about sanitation. One that “no one should clean and carry excreta of others just to earn one’s livelihood. There must be some scientific method of human waste disposal”. Finding no other affordable alternative during his life time Gandhiji had suggested “Tatti par mitti” (cover human excreta with soil) or use of trench which he himself used while living in the Phoenix Ashram in South Africa. Secondly, Gandhiji wanted that those who are engaged in sanitation work should not be treated as untouchables. He took pains to emphasise that they should get equal respect in society; and, in his typical style, went on to declare that “the Bhangi (scavenger) is as important as the Viceroy.”
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PROFILE IN
Before Liberation: Dr. Pathak with untouchables manual scavenger women at Alwar, Rajasthan
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After Gandhiji, Dr. Pathak is the man, more than any other in India, who has championed the cause of adequate sanitation and made the uplift of the untouchables a mission of his life. For the last four and half decades he has been working relentlessly to keep the eco-system clean and bring the marginalized sections of society to the mainstream. He has given a new dimension to the Gandhian movement and broad-based his principled fight against all kinds of discrimination. The New York Times, in its article, ‘Untouchables Gain the Help of a Brahmin’ (Nov. 13, 1989), hailed Dr. Pathak as a “full-time crusader against the humiliations of untouchability.” His contribution in abolishing the inhuman practice of scavenging is seminal and unparalleled in the sense that he not only studied the social evil, but provided its categorical solution through a low-cost toilet technology and developed a self-sustaining sanitation system for the country. In the process of providing an alternative to scavenging and the rehabilitation and social upgradation of scavengers, Dr. Pathak created a pan-Indian network with 50,000 volunteers and launched what is popularly known as the Sulabh Sanitation Movement. “Nobody should go outside for defecation and every house in India should have a toilet” has become a dedicated mission with Dr. Pathak. Dr. Pathak’s epic struggle has enabled the world understand that the technology of Sulabh Shauchalaya (two-pit pour-flush toilet), which he modified and developed and implemented on a large scale, could be a safe and hygienic human waste disposal system for about three billion people lacking safe and hygienic toilet facility. Expensive systems like sewerage and septic tanks are not cost-effective and affordable for the teeming millions in the Third World. Dr. Pathak
A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH Technology has played a decisive role in the Sulabh Sanitation Movement. During Mahatma Gandhi’s life and even later, several attempts were made to develop a low-cost toilet technology, but no tangible results emerged. Dr. Pathak intervened successfully, gave the solution, applied the technology and demonstrated its functioning to engineers, administrators, planners and the masses. It was a breakthrough in the Government of India’s programme for the eradication of scavenging as the Sulabh system proved affordable, acceptable to the masses and
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came up with the Sulabh technology in 1970. It was first greeted with skepticism and derision. Gradually people realised its simplicity and significance and it has now spread all over India, even abroad. Sulabh has constructed over one million such toilets. In 1996, it was declared as one of the ‘Global Urban Best Practices’ at the Habitat-II Conference held at Istanbul in Turkey. The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations granted General Consultative Status to the Sulabh in recognition of its outstanding service. “You are helping the poor”, lauded Pope John Paul II while honouring Dr. Pathak with the International ‘St. Francis Prize for the Environment’ in 1992. The President of India conferred on him ‘Padma Bhushan’, a very prestigious national award for his distinguished services to the nation. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), while electing Dr. Pathak for the ‘Global 500 Roll of Honour 2003’, wrote about him “As a staunch defender of the environment, UNEP is honoured to pay tribute to your commitment and we hope that this recognition will encourage you to continue your work. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations”. Honours and acclaims, both national and international, have come a dime a dozen for Dr. Pathak, but what inspires him is the deep love for his country, its people and their future. Radical beginning Dr. Pathak, Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, was born on April 2, 1943, in a respectable Brahmin family of village Rampur Baghel in Vaishali district of Bihar. After his college education and some odd jobs that came his way, he joined the Bhangi-Mukti (scavengers’
could be set up with the available local materials. Such a low-cost technology made towns and villages scavenging-free. The Sulabh technology is a very simple device. It consists of two pits with sealed covers and a water seal. Both the pits are used alternately. After one pit fills, excreta is diverted into the second pit, keeping the first pit in a ‘rest period’ for 2 years, during which excreta converts to solid, odourless, pathogen-free manure. It can be dug out easily by the beneficiary and used as manure. This technology does not require manual cleaning of human excreta. This toilet was named Sulabh Shauchalaya, which could be adopted in different hydrogeological conditions with some precautions. The two-pit pour-flush toilet was successfully introduced in urban areas. It was found to be a safe and hygienic system for the disposal of human waste in the absence of sewers Sulabh two pit pour flush toilet.
and septic tanks. Before Dr. Pathak’s arrival on the scene nobody, including engineers, was ready to believe that this technology could work in urban areas.
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liberation) Cell of the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee in 1968. It was then that he got intimately exposed to the problems of scavengers in India. Dr. Pathak travelled all over the country, visited and lived with scavengers in their bastis, studied their habits and social mores (doing his Ph.D. on scavenging), their history and geographical spread and eventually declared that scavengers were a special class united in their miseries and social degradation. “Let us save them from their squalid conditions and in doing so we will be redeeming the national conscience,� Dr. Pathak said. Significantly, it was not a mere emotional outburst of young Dr. Pathak, who by that time had fully equipped himself intellectually to find solutions to the problem. He knew that slogans alone would not help and, hence, developed a technology which became a credible alternative to scavenging in India. Technology mingles with Humanitarianism and Social Reform Dr. Pathak observed after studying scriptures that scavenging had no religious sanction and, hence, those who practise untouchability commit a sin. It is unproductive and revolting to manually clean excreta and the waste that is dumped can be profitably recycled to raise farm production and produce biogas. He, subsequently, demonstrated this successfully. As aforesaid, Dr. Pathak sought to abolish scavenging not only out of sympathy for scavengers, but also because of his strong belief that scavenging is a primitive, expensive and unhygienic practice which may create an explosive situation, in which case a highly dissatisfied group would turn rebel and work to destroy the social system. The harmonization of theory and practice distinguishes the Sulabh Sanitation Movement, which he launched to fight the evils of scavenging and untouchability. It is an indigenous concept based on experience and tested scientifically, combining in itself an appropriate technology and a demand for social morality. Stated more simply, while other movements encountered problems and injustices in society, but failed to find solutions, Dr. Pathak identified the problems, developed a self-sustaining system, gave an appropriate technology and, finally, solved the problem. Dr. Pathak raised a micro-level project on lowcost sanitation (starting in 1974 from a small town in Bihar where he put up two pour-flush toilets for demonstration) to the macro-level where the project is acclaimed by national and international agencies. No individual in India has raised the technology application from a small town to an international level. Even the UNDP and the World Bank have recommended for its adoption in other countries, wherever feasible.
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Sulabh’s biggest toilet-cum-bath complex in Shirdi (Maharashtra).
Sulabh Research and Development Centre For further expansion of sanitation technologies and their dissemination at national and international levels, Dr. Pathak established a Research and Development Centre. The Centre, in addition to research and development on sanitation, waste water treatment, biogas from human waste and study on environment and pollution, is making efforts to keep abreast of the latest socioenvironmental subjects. Production of biogas from human excreta Dr. Pathak is probably the first person in the world who has given the idea of obtaining
Dr. Pathak observed after studying scriptures that scavenging has no religious sanction and, hence, those who practise untouchability commit a sin. It is unproductive and revolting to manually clean excreta and the waste that is dumped can be profitably recycled to raise farm production and produce biogas. He, subsequently, demonstrated that successfully.
biogas from the human excreta deposited in public toilets. Despite overwhelming odds, he had the first such biogas plant set up at Patna in 1982. Some technical problems faced initially were overcome in the next few years through research and development efforts. Later Sulabh developed a modified design of a biogas plant and implemented it in different states. Today there are 200 such plants linked to public toilets in different states of India. It has been amply demonstrated by Dr. Pathak that in
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the absence of sewerage facilities, the best option for human waste disposal,
Uses of Biogas
to be used in conjunction with large public toilets, is the biogas plant. It has the added advantage of being a source of renewable energy which is lacking in the septic tank system. Sulabh Effluent Treatment (SET) System The biogas from human excreta is being used for different purposes, e.g. cooking, lighting, electricity generation and body warming. Besides, it can be used as fertilizer, as it contains a good percentage of nitrogen, potassium and phosphate. On the contrary, the dirty colour, bad odour, presence of pathogens, and high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) content in excreta limit its use for agricultural/horticultural purposes or for being directly
Biogas used for lighting of mantle lamps
discharged into water bodies. Since Sulabh is maintaining over 8,000 public toilet complexes spread all over the country, of which 200 are linked with biogas plants, it has been an important task for the organization to make the effluent free from odour, colour and pathogens, in order to use it safely for agricultural purposes. After a series of experiments, the organization developed a new and convenient technology by which the effluent of human excreta-based biogas plants turns into a colourless, odourless and pathogen-free liquid manure. The technology is based on filtration of the effluent through activated charcoal followed by ultraviolet rays. After treatment, water turns safe for aquaculture, agriculture purposes, gardening or discharge into any water body. It can also be used for cleaning floors of public toilets in drought-prone areas. Production of biogas from water hyacinth The production of biogas from the water hyacinth (in dried and pulverised form) is another achievement of Dr. Pathak. While others had been using this water weed in its green form by either chopping or pre-treating it with chemicals, Dr. Pathak conducted experiments on dried and pulverised form. Although the gas yield in the dried form is about 5-6% less, it is convenient for handling, storage and transportation. This form also lends itself better for blending with cow-dung, human excreta or other vegetable waste used as feed material for biogas production. Yet another first to Dr. Pathak’s credit is the granulated organic manure obtained from the dried sludge of biogas plants.
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Advantages of decentralized system of biogas plant with SET technology
Biogas used for Street light
Duckweed-Based Waste Water Treatment One of the major problems with waste water treatment Biogas used for cooking
methods is that none of the available technologies has a direct economic Engine which ignites on battery to convert biogas into electricity
return. The available technologies are unaffordable due to high capital and maintenance costs. Due to absence of
Biogas used to warm oneself in winter
economic returns, local authorities
Sulabh Effluent Treatment Technology
are generally not interested in taking up treatment of waste water, thereby causing severe health hazards and environmental pollution. Most of the untreated waste water is, therefore, discharged into rivers or other water bodies. In rural areas it is a common practice to discharge waste water/sullage without collection. There is no question of treatment/recycle or even reuse of waste water / sullage as people are not aware of this technology. Sulabh has successfully developed demonstration projects on duckweed-based cost-effective waste water treatment in rural and urban areas with direct economic returns from pisciculture. Although duckweed is found in ponds and ditches, due to almost complete absence
Costs of collection of sewage and operation and maintenance of the system are minimal. No manual handling of human excreta is required
Aesthetically and socially acceptable
Biogas can be used for different purposes.
In drought-prone areas treated effluent can be used for cleaning floors of public toilets.
Treated effluent is safe for reuse in agriculture,
gardening or discharge into any water body.
If discharged into sewer, pollution load on STP is much less.
Thus, the decentralized system of sewage treatment through biogas technology is effective in minimizing expenditure on combating pollution.
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of any know-how of this technology in the country, the potential of duckweed for the waste water treatment, its nutrient value and economic benefits have not been fully exploited. Duckweed, a small free-floating and fast growing aquatic plant, has great ability to reduce the BOD, COD, suspended solids, bacterial and other pathogens from waste water. It is a complete feed for fish and due to the high content of proteins and vitamins A and C, it is also a highly nutritious feed for poultry and animals. The yield of fish increases 2 to 3 times when fed with duckweed, than when fed with other conventional feeds in ponds. Reduction of BOD and COD in effluents varies from 80-90% at the retention time of 7-8 days. The first project funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, was successfully completed in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi. Based on the R & D inputs of the project, the CPCB has made guidelines on the use of duckweed for the waste water treatment.
Sulabh has successfully developed demonstration projects on duckweedbased cost-effective waste water treatment in rural and urban areas with direct economic returns from pisciculture. Although duckweed is found in ponds and ditches, due to almost complete absence of any know-how of this technology in the country, the potential of duckweed for the waste water treatment, its nutrient value and economic benefits have not been fully exploited.
Solid waste management Solid waste has been a persistent problem causing health hazards and environmental pollution. Composting is an important method of bio degradable solid waste management having direct/ indirect economic returns in the form of manure and soil conditioner. Sulabh has developed a new technology which requires only 8-10 days to make compost from any bio degradable waste without manual handling during composting. Besides quick conversion of wastes into compost, it also helps control diseases transmitted from wastes as pathogens are eliminated from the compost at high temperature. Poverty alleviation and rural development Dr. Pathak also gave the concept of ‘change agent’ for poverty alleviation and rural development. Train a man in a skill and he will find a job for himself. With this conviction, he launched a massive programme to expand human resource base at the grassroots level. Human resource development includes creating ability and willingness to acquire skills and, thus, maximise utilisation of available
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resources and raise productivity per unit of either land or capital. The increase in the levels of skill, education, health and experience are the indices of human resource development of a society. Dr. Pathak’s approach has been to develop and expand human resource base at the village level and train youth to become catalytic agents, working between the suppliers of resources and the beneficiaries. Thus the movement launched by Dr. Pathak combines in itself sanitation technologies and his humane ideology. This movement seeks to change the social structure through reforms based on social consent and technology, judiciously combined in a package to subserve the ultimate goal for which Dr. Pathak has worked as his life’s mission, braving the barrage of criticism and social scorn which only strengthened his determination to succeed where no one did before. Thus Sulabh is a sanitation and social reform movement, born out of concern for the liberation of untouchable scavengers from the demeaning practice of carrying human excreta on the head. While revolution is considered as an upheaval, movement indicates a slow and gradual development. In this sense, Sulabh emerges as a movement as it developed step by step from technology to liberation to training to rehabilitation and, finally, to social upgradation of untouchable scavengers, when they would be fully absorbed in the social system and scavenging would end forever. Sanitation movement gathers momentum Following the rapid adoption of the Sulabh technology of pour-flush toilet system, more than 640 towns have been freed from scavenging and consequently, 1,20,000 scavengers have been liberated and resettled in other professions. It was possible to do so only by converting over 1.3 million bucket latrines into Sulabh toilets. Moreover, Sulabh has built over 8,000 public toilet complexes with urinal, bath and laundry facilities, operated on a ‘pay-and-use’ basis used by 15 million people daily. Sulabh is now operating in 25 states and 4 Union Territories with over 50,000 voluntary social workers. Dr. Pathak has achieved this stupendous task, working with a narrow resource base and almost single-handedly, leading a voluntary and non-profit making organization. One cannot recall many names who have achieved so much for so many in such a short time. Dr. Pathak did that quietly without much fanfare. The public toilet complexes have separate enclosures for men and women. The users are charged a nominal sum for using the toilet and bathing facilities. Some of the Sulabh complexes are also provided with cloak-rooms, telephone and primary healthcare services. These complexes have been widely welcomed both by the people and the authorities due to their cleanliness and good management. The ‘pay-and-use’ system ensures self-sustainability without any burden on the public exchequer or local bodies. The complexes have also improved the living environment considerably.
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Besides establishing neat and clean toilet complexes and liberating scavengers, Sulabh has also set up a number of vocational training institutes throughout the country. Here liberated scavengers, their sons and daughters and persons from other weaker sections of society are given training in various vocations like computers, typing and shorthand, electrical trade, woodcraft, leathercraft, diesel and petrol engineering, tailoring, cane work, masonry, motor driving etc. The purpose of imparting vocational training is to provide them new means of livelihood, alleviate poverty and bring them into the mainstream of society. Sulabh Public School: Scripting New Stories Towards real educational empowerment of the children of untouchable scavengers and other weaker sections of society and for mainstreaming of those children with children of so called upper castes to ensure social cohesion and inclusive growth, Dr. Pathak established a quality Englishmedium ‘Sulabh Public School’ in New Delhi in 1992. The ratio of the students in this school is 60 per cent from untouchable communities and rest from upper and intermediate castes. Dr. Pathak has developed the school as a dynamic centre which bridges social, economic and gender divisions. The Sulabh School Sanitation Club is another defining attraction of the school. It has adequate infrastructure and facilities, especially Menstrual Hygiene Education and Management System.
LEAD US TO LIGHT: Morning Assembly at Sulabh Public School
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VIEWS OF ACADEMIC AND VOCATIONAL CLASSROOMS
SCHOOL GIRLS PRODUCING, STORING AND DISPENSING SANITARY NAPKINS
Scavengers’ Social Upgradation and Social-Cultural Awakening As an ardent cultural pluralist, Dr. Pathak continues his crusade for a better and egalitarian society even as the stigma of untouchability still remains deep-rooted. A step-by-step programme for removal of this social curse has been initiated. In 1988, Dr. Pathak led more than 100 scavengers along with Vedic Brahmins to the famous Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan with a view to promoting social integration. In 1993, Sulabh embarked on a noble programme of social upgradation and integration of thousands of scavengers’ families. Under this programme, Dr. Pathak made an open appeal to the elite of society to have social interaction with at least one such family to enable them to lead a dignified life as equals in society. India’s former Prime Minister Mr. I.K. Gujral was among the first few who responded warmly to this suggestion and adopted one scavenger family. So far 10,000 scavenger families have been socially upgraded and brought in the mainstream of society.
Besides former Prime Minister Mr. I.K. Gujral, notable persons who adopted scavengers include Mr. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for External Affairs; Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar, the then Editor The Times of India; Dr. (Mrs.) Chitra Naik, member of Planning Commission, Mrs. Margaret Alva, Minister of State for personnel Grievances; Mr. I.K. Gujral, former Union Minister: Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer, M.P.; Mr. Shiv Charan Mathur, M.P.; Dr. Shankar Dayal Singh, M.P. Justice H.L. Anand (Retd.); Justice V.K. Krishna Iyer, Former Judge, Supreme Court; Air Commodore A.L. Saigal, Air Marshal K.D. Chadha PVSM VM; Mr. K.K. Venugopal, Mr. Gopal Subramanium, Mr. Lalit Bhasin, Mr Laxmi Paul Dhir, Mr. L.K. Garg, Mr. Makarand D. Adkar, Mr. R.V. Sinha, Mr. Shyam Ratan Khandelwal, Mr. V.M. Tarkunde, all advocates in Supreme Court, Mr. Bhagawat Goel; and Dr. S.N. Chaudhary, Senior Academicians.
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Mr. I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister of India adopting a scavenger family to bring them into the mainstream of society
Mr. Salman Khurseed, former Union Minister adopting Mr. Bengali Ram at IIC
Mrs. Meneka Gandhi, Union Minister also desired to adopt a scavenger family
Gyani Zail Singh, late President of India giving away the award on the occasion of Social Upgradation Day
Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Union Minister adopting Mrs. Sunita Devi
Mr. Dilip Padgaonkar, former Chief Editor, Times of India adopting Mr. Chandi Ram
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets After visiting Madame Tussaud’s Museum in London, Dr. Pathak decided to set up a Museum of Toilets, a pioneering work in the field. He endeavoured hard towards it and finally got it inaugurated on March 19, 1994 in New Delhi. Since then, the museum has been drawing visitors from all parts of the world. Simultaneously, it is instilling toilet awareness in the society and serving students and scholars doing research in the field of sanitation. Chronologically, the museum starts with the development of toilet system and technology, during the Indus Valley Civilisation of 2500 BC up to the end of the 20th century. Alongside, it also displays the toilets and sanitation practices of ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, Crete, Jerusalem and Rome. The museum has an extensive display of privies, chamber-pots, toilet furniture, bidets and washbasins since Circa 1145 AD to the modern times. Literature on toilet-related customs, etiquettes, humour, cartoons and legislative efforts of different times are additional items of interest. The Su Jok Therapy from Korea, showing how a particular design made on one’s palm can relieve one of the pressures of nature’s call for two hours as well as the classic Korean joke that a toilet and in-law’s house are better if located afar, provides a lot of mirth and hilarity to the visitors. On its web-site, more than 1.5 million people have registered as visitors.
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Panoramic view of Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
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Box-type chamberpot
Ornamental Urinal and Pot
A toilet shaped as a leather chair
The museum has an extensive display of privies, chamberpots, toilet furniture, bidets and wash-basins since Circa 1145 AD to the modern times. Literature on toilet-related customs, etiquettes, humour, cartoons and legislative efforts of different times are additional items of interest.
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Championing ‘Action Sociology’ & ‘Sociology of Sanitation’ Expanding and enriching the theoretical sweep and dimensions of ‘Action Sociology’ through propounding ‘Sociology of Sanitation’, Dr. Pathak established ‘Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology’ in 1993. Besides, he has been advocating for the introduction of this novel discipline in the academic curriculum. Recently, ‘Action Sociology’ was introduced in the syllabus at university level by Rajasthan Vidyapeeth and some other universities. Its concept and vision was conceived and evolved by eminent sociologists under the aegis of the Indian Association of Action Sociologists and Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology. Of late, due to efforts of Dr. Pathak, ‘Sociology of Sanitation’ has been included in the syllabus in the LNM University, Bihar and also in M.K. Bhavnagar University, Gujarat. As an action-oriented movement, Sulabh does not believe in mere arm-chair analysis of problems. Instead of studying ripples and indulging in sheer rhetoric, it strives to create its own waves, waves of actions and initiatives for social churning and change. For instance, Sulabh works for the end of human rights violations through its constructive programmes. Championing human rights through mere words and taking the matters to this or that international agency like Amnesty International have never been the Sulabh ideals. Sulabh is a philosophy of action and sociology in action. Prolific writings by Dr. Pathak A versatile personality, Dr. Pathak has also authored several well-received books, including ‘Road to Freedom’. Besides, he has been frequently contributing thought provoking write-ups on diverse topics for serious newspapers and magazines. He has also participated and presented papers at several national and international seminars. Dr. Pathak is a widely-travelled person and has visited many countries to disseminate the Sulabh technology and exchange ideas on environmental sanitation and growth with international experts in the field. The print and electronic media, both in India and abroad, has widely covered Sulabh’s interventions and achievements. Till date, distinguished visitors from more than 100 countries have visited Sulabh headquarters in New Delhi and have appreciated Dr. Pathak’s spirited striving for sanitation and development with equity. Eminent journalists and writers have written extensively on Dr. Pathak, sketching his multi-faceted personality and extraordinary achievements. Leadership that Creates Waves of Change Dr. Pathak stands tall in embodying the rare qualities of a brilliant leader. He is both the dreamer as well as the doer. He himself believes that leadership is something that cannot be taught; rather it can only be learnt. It is basically the capacity to translate vision into reality, and, implicit in this is the
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World Toilet Summit, Durban, South Africa
World Water Forum, Marseille, France
idea of solving problems and unlocking people’s potential to become better. No wonder, Dr. Pathak, already adorned with numerous coveted national and international awards, has recently been selected for the prestigious 2016 ‘ New York Global Leaders Dialogue Humanitarian Award’ for his decades long outstanding work enhancing the quality of life for millions of fellow human beings. The official statement of the award- giving forum reads, “Dr. Pathak embodies our philosophy of leadership, namely, that leadership is focused on creating collaborative new spaces in the service of others”. November 2015 brought yet another glory to his crown with the world famous ‘The Economist’ ranking Dr. Pathak amongst the top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life in the world. Recently, Sulabh is diversifying into a number of innovative and environment-friendly development projects to uplift the lot of the poor. Under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of Dr. Pathak, a dedicated team of sociologists, scientists, engineers, social activists, journalists and public-spirited persons, has built a formidable national network. Dr. Pathak has become synonymous with Sulabh which in turn has become a byword for public toilets in India. Besides, being a recipient of several awards, laurels and distinctions, Dr. Pathak is member of numerous national and international agencies/committees on environmental sanitation, urban development, etc. He is also deeply associated with many social, cultural and philanthropic organisations. Dr. Pathak is held in high esteem by a grateful society. Mulk Raj Anand, India’s leading writer, has perhaps correctly observed, “What Abraham Lincoln did for Blacks in America, Dr. Pathak has done for scavengers in India. Both are great redeemers”.
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H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India presenting the Good Corporate Citizen Award-2005 to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
In 1991, Dr. Pathak was awarded Padama Bhushan by the President of India, Mr. R.Venkataraman, for his “distinguished social service.”
AWARDS AND CONFERRED ON His Holiness Pope John Paul-II gave audience to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak before awarding him with International Saint Francis Prize.
Hon’ble Mrs. Anna K. Tibaijuka, Excutive Director of UN-Habitat presenting the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour 2003 Award to Dr. Pathak.
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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak receiving the international Saint Francis Prize for the Environment “Canticle of All Creatures” in 1992.
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak received the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize on August 20 from the Hands of H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden.
Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar.
HONOURS DR. PATHAK
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak receiving the UNEP Global 500 Scroll of Honour Award from Hon’ble Mr. Fares Bouez, Lebanese Minister of Environment. Hon’ble Mr. Kluas Topfer, Executive Director of UNEP is on the right.
The Dubai International Award for best practices to improve the living environment.
Vice President of the French Senate Ms Chantal Jourdan decorated Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Legend of Planet honour in an exceptional private reception hosted by President of France.
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Builders’ Information Bureau Award
Anne Mukhopadhya Award for Social Work
1993
Shahid Bhup Singh Award for Social Work
1990-91
1990
1990
Prabandhak Mahan Muzzaffarpur
1992
Bombay Citizen’s Award
1992
1984 1992
K.P. Goenka Memorial Award
Civic Betterment Award, Bombay
Rotary International Spectra-93, Par Excellence Award for Protection of Environment
1997
2003
2003
Hall of Fame Award by World Toilet Organization at World Toilet Summit, Macau, China
Hindi Vachaspati Award by Rashtriya Hindi Parisad, Meerut
Babu Jagjivan Ram Award for Abolishing Scavenging
Scroll of Honour by UN Habitat at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Maharana Uday Singh Award
2008
Aryavart Shikhar Samman by The Indian Nation Publication
One India One People Foundation Award
2006
International Human Rights Award
Global 500 Roll of Honour Award by UNEP at Beirut (Lebanon)
2009
1996
Dubai International Award for Best Practices
2006
2000
Global Urban Best Practices by United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS) at Istanbul
2008
Bharat Gaurav Award by Citizen Forum of Human Rights, New Delhi
Limca Book of Records’ Man of the Year Award
2007
Sakshi Bharat Award
2006
Samaj Ratna Award, Lucknow
2008
2006 2007
1995
Vikas Ratna Award
1999
1995
AWARDS AND CONFE RRED ON
National Energy Globe Award, by Energy Globe, Belgium
2009 Stockholm Water Prize by Stockholm International Water Institute at Stockholm, Sweden
Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award
HONOURS DR. PATHAK
NRI Gold Award
1995
1992
The International Saint Francis Prize for the Environment” Canticle of All Creatures”, Assisi, Italy
1994
1992
Ratna Shiromani Award given by India International Society for Unity
National Citizens’ Award
1994
1993
1991
1991
Padma Bhushan
Dr. Pinnamaneni and Smt. eethadevi Foundation Award
Manav Sewa Puraskar
FELLOWSHIP 1. International Biographical Research Foundation, (Nagpur, India) recognised Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s work and selected him as Fellow for his distinguished standing and outstanding contribution in the field of ‘Social Reforms, LowCost Sanitation and Rural Development.’
2007
Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar
1997 2005
2003
Michael Madhusudan Dutt Award
Distinguished Leadership Award
Good Corporate Citizen Award
Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in the social sector by Dr. P.N. Singh Foundation
3. Honorary Fellow of Indian Water Works (India). 4.
Senior Fellow of Ashoka Innovators for the Public, a global association of leading social entrepreneurs, in recognition of Dr. Pathak’s vision, commitment, and widespread success in solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.
5. Fellow, American Biographical Research Association, USA. 6. Fellow, International Biographical Association, England. 7. Fellow, the National Academy of Sciences, India. 8. Honorary Fellow of Indian Public Health Association, Kolkata, India.
2008
1997
2. Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Public Health Engineers (Kolkata, India).
Rashtriya Gaurav Award by Institute for Environment Yoga & Social Security, Delhi
MEMBERSHIP 1.
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh Founder, is a member of International Water Academy (Norway).
2. Member, Indian Association of Action Sociologists. 3. Life Member, Indian Science Congress. 4. Life Member of the Museum Association of India. 5. Member of the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART).
2010 2013
2009
2009
2013 2015
2014
National Health Care Promotion Award by Heart Care Foundation of India at New Delhi
The ‘NGO Leadership and Excellence Award’ by the World CSR Congress at Taj Lands End Hotel, Mumbai
Goyal Peace Prize at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana
2015
2015
LEGENDE DE LA PLANETE Congres Fondateur Jeux Ecologiques at UNESCO, Paris
The International Banga Moni Award by the Micheal Madhusudan Academy at Kolkata University, West Bengal
Lifetime Achievement Award for Sanitation for All: Toilet First by India CSR Group at PHD House, New Delhi
Power Thinkers Award for services to humanity by Personality Plus International at Raipur, Chhattisgarh
FACE Award 2008 by FACE magazine, New Delhi
National Award for Innovations in the Services for the Urban Poor by The India Urban Space Foundation
Sardar Patel Award-2014 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation at Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
2015
2010 2011
Lifetime Achievement Award by ABP News at Mumbai
2014
2013
Lifetime Achievement Award by Vth World Aqua Congress 2011 at New Delhi
Mother Teresa Memorial Award by Indian Development Foundation (IDF) at Chennai
2015
2014
Vishwa Bhojpuri and Indian Diaspora Sammaan
Bihar Ratna Award at Patna
The Late Madan Mohan Verma Smriti Sammaan from the Journalist Association of Electronic and Print, Dehradun
Amity Lifetime Achievement Award at Amity University Campus, Noida
2015
2015
2015
2009
Lifetime Achievement Award by Rotary Club of Madras at Chennai
2014
2013
Bhagirath Alankaran by Ganga Seva Nidhi, Varanasi Uttar Pradesh
Vivekanand Seva Samman Award by Shree Burrabazar Kumarsabha Pustakalaya at Kolkata
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Sat Paul Mittal Award at Ludhiana
Sanitation Visionary Award by World Toilet Organisation at Singapore
2011
2009
2009
Inter-governmental Renewable Energy Organisation Award (IREO), USA at New York, USA
Lord Baden Powell National Award at Galib Auditorium, New Delhi
Lifetime Achievement Award for contribution in the field of Sanitation by Lucknow Book Fair at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Sardar Patel Award-2014 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation at Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
Mother Teresa Memorial Award by Indian Development Foundation (IDF) at Chennai
Power Thinkers Award for services to humanity by Personality Plus International at Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Amity Lifetime Achievement Award at Amity University Campus, Noida
Goyal Peace Prize at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana
DR. PATHAK’S NOMINATION AS MEMBER OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Task force on Problems of Scavenging, Planning Commission, Government of India.
Socially Oriented and Rural Energy Programmes, Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, (MNES), Government of India.
High-Power Committee on Urban Solid Waste Management in India, Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, Government of India.
Member of the Steering Committee on Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation (Rural and Urban). The Committee was constituted by the Planning Commission for formulation of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007).
Member of the Tenth Plan Steering Committee on the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, other Backward Classes and Minorities, Planning Commission, Government of India.
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Member of the Working Group on Urban Development – Urban Water Supply and Sanitation and Urban Environment for the Tenth Five- Year Plan, Planning Commission, Government of India.
Advisory Committee for NonConventional Energy Sources, Government of India.
Steering Committee for UN Habitat-II, Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, Government of India.
Monitoring Committee on the Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers. Ministry of Welfare, Government of India.
Committee for Evolving a Co-ordinative System for Implementing Low-Cost Sanitation and Scavengers’ Liberation Programme, constituted by Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Government of India.
Sub-Group of Environment and Health, Ministry of Health, Government of India.
National Waste Management Council, Government of India.
Central Advisory Council, Ministry of Industry, Government of India.
National Environmental Council, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
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IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ATTENDED BY DR. PATHAK International seminar on Low-Cost Techniques for Disposal of Human Waste in Urban Communities, sponsored by the UNDP Global Project on Low-Cost Water Supply and Sanitation, UNICEF, India and the Government of India in association with The Institution of Engineers (India) on the occasion of its Diamond Jubilee in Calcutta, February, 1980. Ad Hoc Session during International Seminar on ‘Action Sociology’ at the XII World Congress of Sociology, Madrid, Spain, July 1990. Global Collaborative Council Meeting for Water Supply and Sanitation, Oslo, Norway, September 18-20, 1991.
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Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council Meeting (WSSCC) in Rabat, Morocco, September 7-10, 1993. Seminar on Partnership for Change, Manchester, U.K., September 20-22, 1993 Seminar on Sulabh’s Low-Cost Sanitation Work in South Asia in Canada, September 22-24, 1993. Global Forum on Environmental Development Education, organised by the Indian Environmental Society under the sponsorship of UNESCO, September 24-28, 1993.
International Conference on Sustainable Village-Based Development, Colorado State University, USA, Department of Civil Engineering, September 26 to October 1, 1993. Environmentally Sustainable Development, by World Bank, in Washington D.C., U.S.A., September 30 to October 1, 1993 The Asian Conference on Diarrhoeal Diseases, hosted by Bangladesh Medical Association, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 17-19, 1994.
NGO Forum on the World Summit for Social Development, Helsinki, organised by The International Council on Social Welfare, Montreal, Canada, July 7-9, 1994. Report of the Second Meeting – Working Group on Promotion of Sanitation – Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, in Switzerland, October 3-5, 1994. Workshop on Regional Cooperation in the Management of Social and Hazardous Works in Developing Countries convened by the Pacific Basic Research Centre, Harvard University, at Taipei, Taiwan, January 13-14, 1995.
Dubai International Conference on Best Practices in Improving Living Environments, organised by the UNCHS, Habitat-II, November 19-22, 1995. City Summit, Habitat II Conference in Istanbul organised by the UNCHS, June 3-10, 1996.
Seminar on NGO Forum’95 – Copenhagen, Denmark, March 3-12, 1995.
United Nations Conference on Human Settlement, Istanbul, Turkey, June 3-14, 1996.
HUDCO MISSION to South Africa, March 13-29, 1995.
The 27th (ICSW) International Conference on “Role of Non Governmental Organisations in Transitional Societies, Hong Kong, July 23 to August 3, 1996.
Collaborative Council Meeting of the Working Group on the Promotion of Sanitation – Geneva, Switzerland, April 28 to May 3, 1995. International Symposium on Public Toilets 1995, organised by Urban Council, Hong Kong, May 25-27, 1995.
Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, August 26-30, 1996.
World Summit for Social Development: What After Copenhagen? May 9, 1995
Meeting of the General Assembly of the UN on Habitat Agenda, October 29-30, 1996.
Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council – Third Global Forum in Barbados, October 30, to November 3, 1995.
United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (HabitatII) in New York, U.S.A., October 29-30, 1996.
Interactive Seminar with FOCUS on Issues that need Attention, organised by SERCON CE & C, January 30-31, 1997. Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council Fourth Global Forum, Manila, Philippines, November 3-7, 1997. Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council – Vision 2001: People, Water Supply & Sanitation at the Hague, Netherlands, March 24, 1998 International Healthy Cities Conference in Athens, Greece, from June 20-23, 1998. World Toilet Summit, Singapore June 2001. Mahatma Gandhi Institute, organised a Conference on ‘Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi’s visit to Mauritius: A 100th Anniversary Commemoration’, Moka, Mauritius on October 29-31, 2001 (Paper presented on Mahatma Gandhi and Social Movements in India).
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World Summit on Sustainable Development, (Earth Summit – II) Johannesburg, South Africa, September 2002. World Toilet Summit, Seoul, November 2002. Third World Water Forum, Kyoto, Japan, March 2003. Conference on World Environment Day, organized by UNEP in Beirut, Lebanon, May 5, 2003. The World Habitat Conference organized by UN-Habitat in Rio-deJanerio, Brazil, October 5-8, 2003. Conference on SACOSAN (South Asian Conference on Sanitation), organized by Government of Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, WSSCC and UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh October 21-23, 2003. Conference on “Sustainable Urbanisation Strategies’ and participated in exhibition organized by the UNCHS and Government of China, at Weihi City, China, November 3-5, 2003. Conference on Water Supply and Sanitation in Pan-African Cities and took part in exhibition organized by the UN-HABITAT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, December 7-10, 2003. Conference organized by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, in Geneva, December 15-19, 2003.
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Conference on Women, Water and Sanitation and participated in exhibition, in the special event, organized by UNEP, at Jeju, South Korea, March 28-30, 2004. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development - 12 in New York, U.S.A., from April 14-30, 2004. Second World Assembly of Water Wisdom, jointly organised with the Dialogues on Water for Life and Security as a part of the Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona, May 31 and June 1, 2004. Presented a paper on “City Slums Upgradation with Special Reference to Some Aspects of Slum Upgradation in Delhi And The Role of Sulabh”, at the World Urban Forum, Barcelona, Spain, September 13-17, 2004. Presented a paper on “Toilet – A Tool of Social Change” at the World Toilet Summit, Beijing, China, November 17 to 19, 2004. Presented a paper on ‘Toilets for All–Meeting The Millennium Development Goal on Sanitation’ at World Toilet Summit – 2005, organized by British Toilet Association at Belfast, United Kingdom, September 26 – 29, 2005.
First International Sanitation Conference in Latin America (LATINOSAN) organized by Ministry of Environment, Housing and Development of Colombia, WSP-WB, UNICEF and SDC at Cali, Colombia from November 12-16, 2007 (Paper presented on ‘Meeting the MDG Sanitation Target using Appropriate Technologies: The Sulabh Experience)’. Sanitation Symposium: A Vision for Change, organized by American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI), Anaheim, California, February 9, 2008 (Paper presented on Sustainable Technologies to Improve Sanitation and Environment). Workshop on World Water Day, organised by UNESCAP, Bangkok, on March 20, 2008. International Symposium: Women, Water and Waste organised by the Philippine Women’s University, Manila at Philippines from June 25-27, 2008 (Paper presented) At a Special Event for the high level segment of ECOSOC in observance of the International Year of Sanitation 2008, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation and presented on Event Mission Sanitation in UN Building, New York on July 2, 2008.
Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting (CGI 2009), New York, U.S.A. from September 23-26, 2008.
Attended the Alternate World Water Forum held in Marseille, France. March 12-17, 2012 Attended and lectured at the L H Forum, LE Havre at France. September 13-14, 2012 Attended and gave a talk at the World Toilet Summit-2012 in Durban, South Africa. December 3-6, 2012 Attended the World Future Energy Summit at Abu Dhabi, UAE., January 15-17, 2013 Dr. Pathak was the awarded Legend of Planet Award at the Green Games Congress held in Paris, France., June 04, 2013 Dr. Pathak was invited as a main Speaker by the British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS), UK held in the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. He spoke on ‘Sanitation and Women’s Rights in India’ and also accompanied by an erstwhile untouchable scavenger Mrs. Usha Chaumar, who is also President of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation. April 8, 2015. Dr. Pathak was invited for the book launch function titled “Doing Good Great: Thirteen Asian Heroes and their Causes” in Singapore on November 08, 2015. Dr. Pathak was invited as the ‘Chief Guest of Honour’ for the event L’INDE DES LIVRES at Paris, France organised by Mr. Xavier Zimbardo, French Photographer, from 13th to 15th November, 2015.
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IMPORTANT NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED AND ATTENDED BY DR. BINDESHWAR PATHAK IN INDIA Conversion of Bucket Privies into Sanitary-seal Latrines – Report on a National Seminar, convened by the Government of India in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, Patna, 2527 May, 1978. Regional Conference on Low-Cost Pour-flush Latrines – sponsored by the Government of India/UNDP; Udaipur and Udhagamandalam, (Ooty) during August- October, 1982. National Conference on Low - Cost Sanitation – Sponsored by the Government of India in collaboration with UNDP, New Delhi, May 19-20, 1984. Seminar on Bio-gas from Human Excreta – A State-Level Seminar convened by Sulabh Institute of Technical Research and Training, Sulabh International, Patna, Bihar on 26-27 November, 1984.
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Seminar on Low-Cost Sanitation to Eradicate Scavenging and Rehabilitation – organised by Urban Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Government of India and Sulabh International; Lucknow (U.P.), January, 1987. First National Conference on Rural and Urban Water and Waste Water Management organised by Institution of Public Health Engineers, India, Delhi Centre, on 16-18 April, 1987. Rural Sanitation and Health –Lecture delivered at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie on July 2, 1987.
Asian Regional Workshop on Solar Energy Utilization and Power Generation – September 9-11, 1987. All India Seminar on Operation and Maintenance of Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services, Desirability of Adopting Low-Cost Sanitation, September 15-17, 1987. Regional Workshop on Housing and Shelter in Asia and the Pacific – Experiences in LowCost Sanitation – September 19-22, 1987. Scavenging Free Scheme for Four Towns of Arunachal Pradesh, prepared by Sulabh International, February, 1988. National Seminar and Exhibition on the occasion of the visit of Mr. S.G. Pitroda, New Delhi, April 11, 1988.
International Conference of Association of SouthCentral-West Asian Countries – Indian Water Works Association, New Delhi, November 21-24, 1988.
Seminar on Strategic Action for Health and Sanitation in Delhi organised by Sulabh International, New Delhi, October 12, 1988. Seminar on Low-Cost Sanitation, Madras, October 25-26, 1988.
Two-Day Workshop on Evaluative Methods Applied in Sanitation Sector, New Delhi, May 23-24, 1989. Task Force on the Problems of Scavengers – Preliminary Thoughts on the Issues, August 1, 1989. Indian Society of Health Administrators – State Level Conference on Health of the Metropolis, Bangalore, September 8-9, 1989. Views on Integrated Scheme of the Liberation of Scavengers and Improvement in Sanitation Guidelines, circulated by HUDCO, New Delhi, September, 1989. Second Conference on Building Industry, New Delhi, September 21, 1989. Sulabh International Pioneer in Scavenging Eradication, February 21, 1990.
Environment and Human Waste, September, 1990. Sulabh International – Objectives, Activities and Achievements, September, 1990. Health and Sanitation with Special Reference to Excreta Disposal in Rural Areas, October 15, 1990. Training Proposals for Bihar State Under Nehru Rozgar Yozna – Housing and Shelter Upgradation Scheme, December, 1990. Sulabh Shauchalaya and Sulabh Complexes, January, 1991. Approaches and Strategies for Rural Sanitation in 1990s, January, 1991. Sulabh Shauchalaya and Sulabh Complexes, IIT, February 2, 1991. Programme for Eradication of Scavenging, May 7, 1991. Programme of Eradication of Scavenging, August 27, 1991.
Training and Rehabilitation of Divorced Women, Pusad District Yeotmal, Maharashtra, August, 1991. Basic Sanitation in the Context of Rapid Urbanisation – Drinking Water and Sanitation Issues from the Third World Perspective, New Delhi on November 14-16, 1991. Second Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries – Health and Sanitation, November 24-28, 1991. Lok Swaraj Sansad, Sulabh Experiences in Social Reform and Development, New Delhi, December 7-9, 1991. National Seminar on Action Sociology and Liberation of Scavengers, New Delhi, February 8-10, 1992. Institution of Public Health Engineers (India) – Sixteenth National Convention on Environmental Engineering, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, February 21-23, 1992. Self-Managed Institution for Integral Development, April, 1992.
Low-Cost Sanitation, August, 1990. International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade, The Global Consultation on Safe Water and Sanitation for the 1990s, New Delhi, September 10-14, 1990.
Seminar on ‘Make the Earth a Source and Hospitable Home’ – organised by Indian Federation of United Nations Associations, New Delhi, June 5, 1992.
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Workshop on Design, Technology and Process for Primary School Building – organised by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, New Delhi, April 11, 1992. Seminar on Environmental Protection and Developing Countries – Prevention of Environmental Pollution and Enteric Diseases through Low-Cost Sanitation in New Delhi, May 12, 1992. National Training Course on Energy for Rural Development – organised by Centre for Integrated Rural Energy Planning, New Delhi, May 25-30, 1992. NGOs Workshop on UNCED Conference – Improvement in the Quality of Life and Human Health through Low-Cost Sanitation, New Delhi, May 11-12, 1992.
Training and Rehabilitation of Liberated Scavengers and their Wards in Delhi and Adjoining Areas in New Delhi, June, 1992. Two-Day Workshop on Provision of Sulabh Shauchalaya in Delhi Homes – organised by Sulabh International in New Delhi, June 20-21, 1992. Proposals for Immediate Implementation of the Facilities for the Training and Rehabilitation of Liberated Scavengers and Their Wards in Delhi and Adjoining Areas, August, 1992. National Seminar on the Political System – Social Diversities – Nation Formation and the Constitution, New Delhi, August 28-29, 1992.
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Workshop on Media Mass Communication and Environment, Patna, September, 1992. Follow-up Workshop on Earth Summit, New Delhi, November 13-14, 1992. Social Reforms, at Dr. Pinnamaneni and Smt. Seethadevi Foundation, December 16, 1992. Social Justice, Equality and Movements of Emancipation: Role and Perspective of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956), at Agra Institute of Social Service, Agra on December 22-23, 1992. Save Earth Seminars 1993, Patna, February 12-21, 1993. Regional Consultation on Hygiene and Sanitation Promotion at WHO, New Delhi, May 19-21, 1993. State Level Workshop on Sanitation organised jointly by Madhya Pradesh PHE Department and UNICEF, Bhopal, October 5-6, 1993. Seminar on Secularism, Precept and Practice at Patna on November 7, 1993. Meeting of Experts on Biogas from Human Waste – Institution of Engineers (India) in New Delhi, November 8, 1993.
Integrated Development for Improving the Family Life in Rural Uttar Pradesh, organised by Government of U.P. at Lucknow, U.P., December 21-22, 1993.
International Conference in Shaping the Future by Law: Children, Environment and Human Health, organised by The Indian Law Institute, Delhi, March 21-25, 1994. Seminar on Basic Constructional Values and Their Implementation in New Delhi on January 8, 1994. Water, Sanitation and Diarrhoea Control at Patna on January 15, 1994. Regional Seminar on Partnership in Municipal Infrastructure Services, New Delhi, February 7-11, 1994. Eradication of Scavenging and Environmental Sanitation by Society for International Development, Patna Chapter, March 24, 1994.
International Conference on Shaping the Children by Law: Improvement in the Quality of Life, New Delhi, April 30, 1994. National Seminar on Rural Development and its Impact on Environment – organised by Rural Youth Coordination, Amnour, Saran (Bihar), June 5, 1994. Seminar on Himalayan Conservation Programme – Governments – People’s Participation and Toilets in Gangotri Belt in Himalayan Region, organised by Himalayan Environment Trust with support of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India at New Delhi, June 27-28, 1994. Training Programme on Planning and Management of Urban Services and Low-Cost Sanitation, organised by National Institute of Urban Affairs and sponsored by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, New Delhi, August 8-13, 1994. All India Maithili Conference – Prospects of Scientific and Technical Development, Mithila at Darbhanga, Bihar, October 1994.
Government and Non-Governmental Organisations’ Partnership in Integrated Urban Infrastructure Development, New Delhi, February 2, 1995.
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The First National Conservation Congress – organised by The WorldWide Fund for Nature, India, at New Delhi, November 21-23, 1994. National Convention on Environment of India – Challenges for the 21st Century – organised by IPHE (India), Calcutta, November 23-25, 1994. United Nations’ Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) Zonal Consultation of NGOs/CBOs of Eastern Region – hosted by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Patna, December 3-4, 1994. International Seminar on Disasters, Environment and Development, organised by The IGU Study Group on Development Issues in Marginal Regions in Collaboration with U.N. IDNDR Secretariat and other Agencies, Delhi, December 9-12, 1994. Seminar on Professionalisation of Environmental Management – World Congress on Vocationalisation of Environmental Congress at New Delhi, December 17-19, 1994. National Conference of NGOs on Integrated Development – Innovative Approaches, organised by – Consortium for Voluntary Action, New Delhi, January 22-23, 1995. Seminar on Integrated Urban Infrastructure Development, organised by the Human Settlements Programme, New Delhi, February 1-4, 1995.
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Seminar on Urban Environment, organised by Centre for Environment Studies, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, February 7-10, 1995. XVI National Conference of ISSA on Dimensions of Development, organised by Department of Sociology, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, February 10-12, 1995. UNDP Parliamentarians Forum for Human Development Project on Integration at New Delhi, February 20, 1995. Third International Conference on Appropriate Waste Management Technologies for Developing Countries, organised by International Association on Water Quality, London in association with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, February 25-26, 1995. Interactive Workshop on National Programme on Sanitation and Hygiene on the Lines of A Technology Mission, organised by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, Need for a Technology Mission for Sanitation, April 1012, 1995.
8th International Congress on Human Settlements in Developing Countries, organised by Centre for Human Settlement International, Calcutta, May 25-27, 1995. Eighteenth Course on Urban Plan Administration, organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, July 17-28, 1995. Symposium on Role of NGOs in the Conservation of Environment, organised by National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, August 19-20, 1995. Seminar on Microbes for Environmental Management, organised by Association of Microbiologists of India (Delhi Unit II), August 26, 1995. Role of Non - Governmental Organisations in Implementation of Urban Sanitation Programme – organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, August 26, 1995. Seminar on Microbes for Environmental Management by JNU, New Delhi, August 29, 1995.
International Conference at Kota Rajasthan, organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad, New Delhi, 30-31 December, 1995.
Training Programme on Formulation and Financing of Urban Water Supply Projects, organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, August 25 to September 8, 1995. National Seminar on Scheduled Castes: Problems and Prospects in Agra U.P., September 23-24, 1995. Seminar on The Engineering Trends in Social Theory, organised by Gobind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad, September 29-30, 1995. Accelerating the process of Social Development in Bihar – National Seminar on Development of Bihar, organised by A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna, November, 9-12, 1995. National Rural Housing Exposition, organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation, New Delhi, November 15, 1995. National Workshop on Corporate Initiatives in Public Health – Focus: Sewage Disposal and Safe Drinking Water, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, New Delhi, November 16, 1995. Second Congress – Theme: Human Settlement – Problems and Prospects, organised by Indian Building Congress, New Delhi, December 7-9, 1995. An Extension Lecture to the Students and Staff of Udaipur School of Social Work – Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, December 11-12, 1995.
Outline of National Capacity Building Strategies for Urban Environmental Management organised by HSMI, New Delhi and Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Rotterdam, January 1, 1996. 29th Annual Conventions of IWWA at Calcutta, January 2-5, 1996. Seminar on Environmental Quality of Human Settlements, organised by Centre for Environmental Studies and School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 1996. “Women and Empowerment” organised by USAID at New Delhi on February 2, 1996. Seminar on Education for Achievements of Sustainable Human Settlements, organised by Centre for Environmental Studies and School of Planning and Architecture at New Delhi, 4-6 Feb., 1996. Meeting at USAID to discuss issues Concerning Women’s Leadership and Advocacy, Literacy Credit and Enterprise and Environmental Health at New Delhi, February 8, 1996. International Conference on Environmental Strategies for Asian Cities, organised by United Nations Centre for Human Settlements with Madras Metropolitan Development Authority and
Govt. of Tamil Nadu at Madras, February 14-17, 1996. Workshop on Capacity Building for Urban Environmental Management, organised by Human Settlement Management Institute of New Delhi, Feb. 17-21, 1996. Meeting of the International Ministerial Convergence Forum (IMCF) under the Prime Minister’s Integrated Urban Poverty Eradication Programme at New Delhi, Feb. 21, 1996. National Seminar on Dalit Writings, Movements & Dynamics of Social Change at Warrangal, Andhra Pradesh, 2324 February, 1996. Third International Conference on Environmental Planning and Management, organised by Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur, February 24- 26, 1996. Seminar on Solid Waste Management: Developing Countries’ Perspective and Need for Development of Waste Management Industry in India – organised by National Council of Development Communication, New Delhi, September 28, 1996.
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Workshop on HIV/AIDS in New Delhi, March 12, 1996. Keynote address at Seminar on “The Problems and Rehabilitation of Disabled Women” in New Delhi on March 24, 1996. Working Group on Environment Health Education: IEC to formulate Policy Guidelines, Strategies and Programme Objectives during Plan meetings (constituted by Planning Commission) on March 19, April 3, May 10 & 30, 1996. Seminar on Healthy Cities for Better Life: Planning, Participation and Partnership, organised by National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi in collaboration with World Health Organisation in New Delhi, April 4, 1996. Women’s Political Empowerment Day Celebrations Conference organised by The Institute of Social Sciences at New Delhi, April 24, 1996. Workshop on Decentralised Approach for Urban Services by DDA-HUDCO at New Delhi, July 25-26, 1996. 22nd WEDC Conference – Reaching the Unreached - Challenges for the 21st Century, organised by Water, Engineering and Development Centre, Loughborough University of Technology, England, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health Engineers, India, at New Delhi, September 9 -13, 1996. All India Seminar on “Challenging Problems in Environmental Management (CPEM 96)” organised by Nagpur Local Centre of the Institute of Engineers at Nagpur, September 12-14, 1996.
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Seminar by All India Women’s Educational Fund Association (AIWEFA) in New Delhi, October 3-5, 1996. National Housing Seminar “Adequate Shelter for All”, organised by Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, at New Delhi, October 7-9, 1996. Capacity Building Workshop on Cities at Risk on International Day for Natural Reduction at Haryana Institute of Public Administration, Gurgaon, October 9, 1996. Technology Summit 96 Technology Platform 96, jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry and IMTMA in Hyderabad, October 11-12. 1996. XIXth Annual Conference of Indian Society of Gandhian Studies, organised by Rani Durgawati University in Jabalpur, October 16-18, 1996. National Symposium on Youth: Sanitation and Environment, sponsored by Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India, Oct. 1996. Meeting of National Steering Committee on Habitat-II, Nov. 21,1996. Seminar on Sub-Standard Habitats in Delhi, organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce
and Industry and Government of NCT of Delhi, Dec. 13, 1996. Prime Minister’s Integrated Urban Poverty Eradication Programme-First Meeting of the International Ministerial Convergence Forum in New Delhi, Feb. 21, 1997. Consultation on National Rejuvenation through Democratic Restructuring, organised by Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation, March 8, 1997. International Conference on Promotion of Environmentally Sound and Healthy Cities, organised by Department of Geography. Delhi School of Economics in New Delhi, March 12-14, 1997. National Conference on Strategic & Human Management: A Vision for 2002, in New Delhi, 19-20 March, 1997. Symposium on World Water Day organised by Development Research Group in New Delhi, March 22, 1997. National Seminar on Lokpal Legislation, organised by Citizenship Development Society in New Delhi, March 30, 1997.
National Workshop on Course Content of Action Sociology, organised by Department of Sociology Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, Rajasthan, July 25-26, 1997. National Seminar on Liberation and Rehabilitation of Sweepers and Scavengers, organised by Ministry of Welfare, GOI, New Delhi, December 1415, 1997. World Mayors’ Conference on New Role of Mayors in a Changing Global Scenario, organised by All India Institute of Local Self Government, India and Jaipur Municipal Corporation, Jaipur, Rajasthan, January 10-12, 1998. Seminar on Gandhi and Tagore on Rural Reconstruction at Vishwa Bharti, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, March 10, 1998. Golden Jubilee Commemoration Lecture at Seminar Hall, Centre for Biochemical Technology, New Delhi, April 29, 1998. International Conference on Quality of Life and Environment-Health, Hygiene and Sanitation in Nepal, organised by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation in collaboration with Sushma Koirala Memorial Trust, Kathmandu, New Delhi, June 15-16, 1998. Conference on Health and Environment, organised by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, July 7-9, 1998. Seminar on Role of Centre in the Overall Development of Bihar, New Delhi, July 11, 1998.
Conference on Constitutional Reforms, organised by Desbhakta Trust, New Delhi, August 16, 1998. Contemporary India and the Vision of Gandhi at Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, Bihar, August 18, 1998. Training Programme for I.A.S. Officers on Managing Change, organised by Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, Uttar Pradesh, September 5, 1998. Post Pokharan – II Scenario, organised by India Forum, New Delhi, September 6, 1998. World Habitat Day “The Challenge of Safer Cities”, organised by HUDCO, New Delhi, October 5, 1998. Seminar on Urban Housing and Regulatory Issues, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, Northern Region, New Delhi, October 24, 1998. First Meeting of the People’s Commission on Abolition of Scavenging, New Delhi, November 26, 1998. Paediatric Conference of North India, organised by Indian Academy of Paediatrics, New Delhi, December 11-13, 1998. Police in the Twenty-First Century: Police Community Relations, organised by All India Police Science Congress, New Delhi, 1998.
International Conference on Educational Culture in the 21st Century: Knowledge, Teacher and Technology, organised by the All India Association of Technology (Assam Chapter), Guwahati, Assam, January 2931, 1999. Seminar on Hospital Waste Management at All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Calcutta, February 26, 1999. Seminar on Mission India – II, organized by the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, New Delhi, April 27, 1999. Workshop on Decentralised Pollution Control in Open Drains/ Canals, New Delhi, May 27, 1999. Seminar on Sharing Experiences and Prospects in Civic Administration and Public Utilities, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry, New Delhi, July 23, 1999. Workshop on Solid Waste Management: Problems, Prospects and Strategies, organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, August 20, 1999.
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Seminar on The Role of Officers of the Indian Police Service in Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, organized by Indian Police Service Association Bihar Branch, Patna, Bihar, October 23- 24, 1999.
National Seminar on Challenges of Local Government Capacity Building in India: A National Perspective, New Delhi, September 27, 2000.
The Challenge of Safe Environment: The Sulabh Experience, organized by Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, November 22, 1999.
Seminar on Physical Infrastructure Delhi 2021 – Issues & Options, organised by Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi, September 29, 2000.
National Symposium on Biotechnology, Energy and Environment in the New Millennium – Indian Scenario, organized by Department of Botany, Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, Delhi, December 8-10, 1999. National Conference on Planning & Development of Ground Water Resources in India: A Perspective for the 21st Century, organized by Department of Geology, Science College, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, December 17-18, 1999. Workshop on Low-Cost Rural Sanitation, jointly organized by CBRI – Rotary International, Roorkee, Uttranchal, January 15-16, 2000. National Seminar on Private Participation in Water Supply and Sanitation, organised by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, in collaboration with The World Bank, New Delhi, February 7-8, 2000. Conference on the Problems of Scavengers, organised by SETU, Bhiwandi, September 23, 2000. National Symposium on City Restructuring: Urban Poverty Reduction and Slum Upgradation Strategies, New Delhi, September 26, 2000.
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International Conference on Urban Infrastructure Sustainable Development, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, New Delhi, October 17-18, 2000. Conference on How to Solve the Problem of Open Defecation and Scavenging from India and Particularly from Bihar, Patna, December 14, 2000. A Series of Lectures, organised by The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Govt. of India, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and The Civil Service Officers’ Institute, New Delhi, June 16, 2001 Regional Workshop on Total Sanitation Campaign for Northern States in Chandigarh, July 27, 2001. National Convention on a Gandhian Agenda for the 21st Century, organised by Sevagram Ashram, Wardha, September 13-15, 2001
Enviro-2001: Sustainable Technologies for Waste Management, at Coimbatore, September 14-15, 2001. National Campaign for Good Urban Governance, organised by Urban Local Bodies, Govt. of India, in New Delhi, September 4-6, 2001. Senior Citizens’ Felicitation Nite organised by Free Thinkers’ Association in Patna, October 5, 2001. Managing Change in an Organisation, organised by Institute of Secretariat Training & Management in New Delhi, October 15-17, 2001. 18th National Convention of Environmental Engineers and National Seminar on Solid Waste Management organised by Institution of Engineers (India) in Bhopal, October 19-20, 2001. National Seminar on Development and Governance : Fresh Imperatives for Reorganising Indian States, organised by Initiative for Research Analysis Development and Action in New Delhi, November 23-25, 2001.
Second National Seminar on National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) 2001-2002, organised by Department of Botany, Daulat Ram College, New Delhi, November 27-29, 2001. Private Partnership in Sanitation Service Delivery for the Poor - Experience of Sulabh International, India in Hyderabad, December 8, 2001. CREDAI “Growth of Economy through Housing for All”, organised by The Ministry for Urban Development, Govt. of India, in Mumbai, December 8-9, 2001. Seminar at Azad Yuvak Kendra, Sitamarhi, Bihar on January 9, 2002. 25th International Astronomical & Astrological Conference organised by Vishwa Jyotish Vidyapith, at Kolkata on January 19-22, 2002. Seminar on Protect Environment – Promote Fellowship organised by The International Association of Lions Clubs at Patna, February 2002. 28th WEDC Conference, ‘Sustainability : Today’s Priority for Basic Services’ in Kolkata, November 2002. National Seminar on Social Reconstruction in India : Professionalism vs Voluntarism organised by Department of Social Work, Lucknow University at Lucknow, U.P., December 14-16, 2002. Lecture on ‘Human Rights and Culture Sulabh Experiment’ organised by Human Rights Association, Patna, Bihar, February 15, 2003. Lecture on the theme of ‘Interface of Science, Industry and Corporate Sector’, organised by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, March 28, 2003.
International Conference on Good Urban Governance – Making Cities Work in New Delhi, April 9, 2003. Annual District Conference, organised by Rotary International District 3290, Kolkata, West Bengal, April 12, 2003. National Seminar on Human Rights Violation Against Females, organised by Vaishali Mahila College, Vaishali, Bihar, May 10-11, 2003. XXII Annual Conference of Indian Society of Professional Social Work on Social Work in Action: Experiences in Different Fields & Corruption in Indian Society: Consequences on Social Work Practice, organised by The Indian Social Science Association, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, September 15-17, 2003. Symposium on Environment, Sanitation and Nonconventional Energy organized by Institution of Public Health Engineering at IIC, New Delhi on February 20, 2004. National Forum on Fellow upto the Constitution Commission organised by Rashtrya Jagriti Sansthanat IIC, New Delhi from March 19-21, 2004.
Twenty-Second Kelkar Alumni Lecture, Kanpur, April 4, 2004. Water For Asian Cities Programme In India ‘Stakeholders’ Consultation on Implementation of Strategies for Water For Asian Cities Programme, organized by UN-Habitat in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, August 4-5, 2004. First Meeting of the Consultative Group on Water Resources, New Delhi, September 24, 2004. 27th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Gandhian Studies, Pondicherry, November 1- 03, 2004. National Seminar on “Empowerment of Weaker Sections: Interface of Civil Society Organisations and Professional Social Work Institutions”, organized by Department of Social Work, Lucknow University; at Lucknow, U.P., December 19, 2004.
Ninth Eco-San International Conference on India’s Sanitation Challenge: The Sulabh Response organized by Indian Water Works Association, Mumbai, November 25-26, 2005.
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Delhi Sustainable Development (TERI) Symposium on Environment, Sanitation and Non-conventional Energy in IIC, New Delhi, February 3-5, 2005. National Conference on Urban Poverty Alleviation through Sustainable Livelihood, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry in association with the Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation and the United Nations Development Programme, New Delhi, February 15, 2005. Valedictory Address for Advanced Certificate Course in Urban Management, organized by Amity School of Urban Management, New Delhi, July 4, 2005. Welcome Address on the occasion of Fourth Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Lecture, organized by Babu Jagjivan Ram Educational Foundation, New Delhi, July 17, 2005. Meet Your Scientist Programme, organized by Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, July 21, 2005. Seminar on Services Marketing Summit: Innovating Marketing Strategies, organized by All India Management Association, New Delhi, September 9 – 10, 2005. National Seminar on Decentralisation of Power in Federal Polity: Panchayati Raj Institutions and Subsidiarity Principle, coorganised by Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan (RJS), Konrad Adenauer Foundation & Vidya Bhawan Society at Udaipur, Rajasthan, September 17 - 19, 2005. 12th International Rainwater Catchment Systems Conference 2005 on “Mainstreaming Rainwater Harvesting” organized by Action For Food Production, New Delhi, November 15-18, 2005.
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Seminar on ‘Services Marketing Challenges: Emerging Issues’ organized by Institute of Technology & Science, Ghaziabad, December 3, 2005. Annual Conference on the Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI) organised at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat from January 11-12, 2007.
Memorial Lecture on “Restructuring the School Education System in India” organised by K.N. Sahaya Institute of Environmental and Urban Development, Patna, Bihar, on December 17, 2007.
Meeting on Solid Waste Management taken by Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Delhi at Raj Niwas, New Delhi, June 15, 2007, Solid Waste Management: Problems and Strategies, paper present by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
Round Table Conference on Russia and India: Ethics of Non-Violence in the Globalisation Epoch as a part of celebration of year of Russia in India organised by Indian Council of Historical Research, Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, at Hall of the ICSSR, New Delhi, March 17-18, 2008.
Guest Lecture on Environment Impact and Evaluation of Sanitation at Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Department of Community Medicine, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu on August 23, 2007. 9th Annual Convention of Leadership (Dr. P.N. Singh Foundation) organised by ITM Business School, Mumbai, presentation on Leadership in Social Sector: The Success Story of Sulabh Sanitation Movement, Mumbai September 28, 2007. World Toilet Summit-2007, organised by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation in India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, October 31 to November 2, 2007.
Attended the ‘World Water Day’ organised by the Indian Water Works Association, Lucknow Centre, March 26, 2008. Seminar on What After Farm Loan Waiver – A Way Ahead for Durable Agrarian Reform jointly organized by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Rotary Club, Nagpur, August 28, 2008. 3rd South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN-III) organised by Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India at Vigyan Bhawan, November 16-21, 2008.
First International Conference on Environmental Ethics Education (ICEEE), November 2008 organised by Alumni Association of Education, BHU. Lecture on Water and Sanitation in India: Socio-Technical Status organised by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, December 14, 2008. Training programme on Management of Environment and Natural Resources for Officers of IAS organized by IILM Institute of High Education Business School, paper presented on Affordable Solutions to Urban Sanitation Problems – The Sulabh Case, New Delhi, December 17, 2008. Municipalika 2009, 6th International Exhibition and Conference on Municipal Services, Urban Development and Public Works, in collaboration with the Government of India, Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Govt. of Maharashtra, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, All India Council of Mayors, All India Institute of Local Self-Government, Mumbai from January 29-31, 2009. World Health Day organised by Sulabh Sanitation Club and Sulabh International Social Service Organisation at Mavalankar Hall, New Delhi from April 07, 2010. Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Gandhian Studies organised by the Department of Gandhian Studies in Chandigarh from January 29-31, 2009. World Toilet Day “Alwar Declared Scavenging Free” on the occasion of Indira Gandhi Birthday at Crystal Ballroom, New Delhi from November 19, 2009.
A luncheon meeting in honour of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation was organised by the President of Rotary Club Mr. Shyamuttam Singh at Hotel Shangri-La from May 05, 2010. Delivered a lecture on “Social Service and Environmental Sanitation” under the training module “Heritage of India and Contemporary India” at the Foreign Services Institute (FSI), New Delhi from August 31, 2010. Speech Delivered on “Ideals and Philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi at Roosevelt House, Embassy of United States of America, New Delhi from October 04, 2010. Deshpande Foundation organised an event on Development Dialogue 2011 at Deshpande Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, BVB College of Engineering, Vidyanagar, Hubli, Karnataka from January 28, 2011. National Human Rights Commission organised a National Workshop on Manual Scavenging and Sanitation at New Delhi from March 11, 2011.
Department of Rural Development Science organised a International Conference on Development Discourse at Karumathur, Madurai from March 15-17, 2011. WHO-SEARO organised a conference on Impact of Climate Change on Sanitation and Health at New Delhi from March 16-18, 2011. 14th Annual Management Convention on“Managing Growth – Opportunities and Challenges in Current Decade” organised by NOIDA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION at Noida from April 29, 2011. Sulabh International Institute of Health and Hygiene organised a conference on Vector Borne Infections and Interaction Session at New Delhi from May 08, 2011. Uttar Pradesh Government and UNICEF organised an event Sulabh Towards Village at Lucknow from August 20, 2011. Ummeed Utsav - 2011 (Festival of Hope) at Shaheed Devipad Choudhury Miller High School, Patna from December 4-5, 2011.
Aqua Excellence Award Ceremony at Delhi-ODelhi Terrace, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on November 17, 2011.
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‘Clean India’ Campaign to Promote Tourism organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi from December 20, 2011.
Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management & Technological Options in Rural Sanitation in Indian Context at Parliament Library Building, New Delhi on March 13, 2013.
National Consultation on Rural Sanitation organised by The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India at New Delhi from December 20-21, 2012.
Reinvent the Toilet Fair organized by Bill & Milinda Gates Foundation at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi on March 18, 2014.
Attended the function of Lucknow Book Fair and was honoured with the Shaan-eLucknow Award at Lucknow on January 07, 2015.
India Water Week-2012 organised by Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India on the theme “Water, Energy and Food Security for Solutions” at New Delhi from April 1014, 2012.
Brainstorming Session on Urban Sanitation under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary at Rashtrapati Bhawan on September 04, 2014.
National Conference on Sociology of Sanitation organised by Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology in collaboration with Sulabh International Social Service Organisation at Mavalankar Hall, New Delhi from January 28-29, 2013.
Attended the meeting on ‘Clean India’ organized by Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, National Corporate Social Responsibility Hub at Academic Building, Deonar, Mumbai on September 09, 2015.
Attended the event ‘Power Thinkers’ on the theme of ‘My Services to Humanity’ a multi-people conclave that promotes training culture in the state organized by Personality Plus International at Raipur, Chhattisgarh on January 10, 2015.
India Water Week-2013 organised by Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India on the theme ‘Efficient Water Management: Challenges and Opportunities’ at New Delhi from April 08-12, 2013.
Attended the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ a dream project of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi organized by Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence, Government of India on September 29, 2014.
Rotary South-Asia Summit-2013 (Giving his presentation on ‘Bringing Sanity to Sanitation’, Dr. Pathak talked about the four pillars of Sulabh - “Vision, Mission, Commitment and Capabilities”. He said efficiency coupled with honesty, integrity, ethics and morality are the other pillars on which Sulabh Sanitation Movement stands making a difference in the sanitation scenario globally and restoring human rights an) at Hyderabad from May 03-04, 2013.
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Motivational Talk on “Swachhata” organized by NTPC Limited, Ministry of Power, Government of India October 31, 2014. Attended the meeting organized by Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), at MoUD, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi on November 18, 2014.
Participated in the three-day AgriHorti Tech-2015 exhibition at Sri Kashiramji Sanskritik Sthal in Lucknow. It was inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on January 22, 2015. Attended the International Conference on Corporate Governance organized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Ministry of Corporate Affairs at Taj Lands End Hotel, Mumbai on January 28, 2015. Gave a lecture on Social Entrepreneurship organized by Board for Student Welfare (BSW) at IIT Delhi on February 04, 2015.
Gave a talk on ‘Sanitation for All: Toilet First’ organized by India CSR Group at PHD House, New Delhi on February 06, 2015. Addressed National Consultation on Renewed Agenda on Sanitation organized by Institution of Public Health Engineers, India (IPHE), Delhi Regional Centre and Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, New Delhi at PHD House, New Delhi on February 13-14, 2015. Gave a motivational talk on Indian ‘Education System, the Role of Media and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan’ at Indian International Centre, New Delhi on February 25, 2015. Addressed Bihar Education Summit-2015 on ‘Transforming Higher Education Landscape and Strategies for Future’, organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) at Patna on February 27, 2015. Addressed ‘Lotus: Journey to Enlightenment’ titled was the theme of the event organized by TEDx Janpath at American Center, New Delhi on February 28, 2015. Attendend Seminar on Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 organised by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India at Shashtri Bhawan, New Delhi on March 12, 2015. Addressed three-day training programme on Water and Sanitation for the officers of Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Assam, organized by International
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Three-day festival of technical papers and innovative models at the Vigyan Bhawan, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology organized by Srijan-2015 at Bhopal on March 21-23, 2015. Academy of Environmental Sanitation and Public Health at IPHE Bhawan, Kolkata on March 26-28, 2015. Attended ‘Innovations of Technologies: Made a Difference in the Sanitation Scenario in India including Untouchables’ Lives’ organized by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Rajasthan at Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan on March 28, 2015. Attended a seminar on ‘Good Governance’ to share his experiences on how a single man reached a height where he handles more than 50,000 volunteers with his qualities of good governance organized by National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 30, 2015. Attended a workshop as a Keynote Speaker on ‘Effective Pedagogy for Waste Management’, organized by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna on April 18, 2015. Attended a Third Conference on Sewage and Wastewater
Treatment on “Sanitation Movement Initiated by Sulabh” Organised by India Infrastructure Publishing Private Limited, New Delhi at Imperial Hotal, New Delhi on April 23-24, 2015. Spoke on “Emancipative Education and the Sulabh Movement” organized by Late Dr. (Prof.) Smt. Indira Sinha Memorial Educational Foundation at Indian Medical Association Bhawan (I.M.A. Hall) Gandhi Maidan, Patna on April 25, 2015. Attended the memorial lecture on “Eradication of Social Stigmatized Occupation: Opportunities & Challenges” organized by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar National Institute of Social Studies, Mhow, Indore, Madhya Pradesh at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar National Institute, Mhow, Indore, Madhya Pradesh on May 12, 2015. Attended the Valedictory Session of Global Summit on Corporate Social Responsibility (GSCSR) 2015 on the theme of ‘The CSR Consciousness and Mission Clean India’ organised by Indian Institute of
Corporate Affairs, IIM Raipur & National Law University, Bangalore at India International Centre, New Delhi on May 16, 2015. Attended conference on “Transition of Women from Education to full Employment” organised by All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA) & United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at Multipurpose Hall, India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on May 23, 2015. Attended the National Seminar on ‘Women’s Safety: Psycho-Social and Medico-Legal Perspective’ organised by Department of Sociology & Department of Psychology Darbhanga at Darbhanga, Bihar on May 26, 2015. Attended National Workshop on Relevance of Microscopy in Microbial Characterization organised by Amity University at Amity University Campus, Noida on August 11, 2015.
Attended the conference as Guest Speaker on the theme of “Sulabh’s Arc of Social and Environmental Sanitation” organised by Rotary Club of Delhi on August 28, 2015. Attended the 5th ASIA PACIFIC HOUSING FORUM on the theme of ‘How to Make India Free From Open Defecation by 2019’ organised by Habitat for Humanity India at Leela Ambience Hotel, Gurgaon on September 3, 2015. Attended one day workshop on Solid Waste Management on the theme of “Role of Sulabh International for Environmental Sanitation” organised by Centre for Good Governance, Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration at Jaipur on September 22, 2015.
Attended the ‘Heroes Speak’ event on the theme of “The Story of My Life and Struggle: Sulabh Social and Sanitation Movement” organised by Centre for Development at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai on October 26, 2015. Addressed symposium on “The Core Essential to Leadership: Right Thinking and Necessary Action” organised by Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Delhi on October 30, 2015. Addressed the 46th Sarvodaya Samaj Sammelan on the theme of “Gandhian Philosophy in the centre of Sulabh Sanitation Movement” organised by Sarvodaya Wardha at Gandhi Ashram Harijan Sevak Sangh, New Delhi on November 01, 2015.
Attended the National Conference on Prospects and Challenges of Swachh Bharat Campaign organised by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi on August 14, 2015. Delivered a talk on ‘Sanitation in Different Religions’ at Munger, Bihar on August 25, 2015. Attended the Goyal Peace Award Ceremony organised by Kurukshetra University at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana on August 27, 2015.
Attended the Panel Discussion during Bihar Innovation Conclave 2015 on the theme of “Role of NGOs in Weaving Progressive Mindsets” at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi on October 15, 2015.
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MEDIA MIRROR : A FEW IMAGES
Inventor
BINDESHWAR PATHAK This designer's low-cost toilet has helped the planet, improved sanitation for millions-and freed countless scavengers from a life of cleaning human waste
PA G E 3 2
CHINA DAILY
ASIA WEEKLY
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Flush ofofgenius Flush genius SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR’S REVOLUTIONARY TOILET MOVEMENT CHARTS A NEW COURSE IN THE HISTORY OF SANITATION IN INDIA
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR’S REVOLUTIONARY TOILET MOVEMENT CHARTS A NEW COURSE IN THE HISTORY OF SANITATION IN INDIA By KRISHNA KUMAR VR in New Delhi For China Daily Asia Weekly
W
hile the world revels in high-tech gadgets and superfluous devices, this softly-spoken 70-year-old Indian sociologist is always looking for a means to provide for one basic human need — by constructing low-cost toilets. More than four decades of work has made him the harbinger of a social change, affecting the lives and attitudes of millions in society. “The toilet is a tool of social change,” believes Bindeshwar Pathak. The United Nations (UN) estimates that 6 billion of the world’s 7 billion people have mobile phones, but 2.5 billion people are still without sanitation, and around 1.1 billion practice open defecation. More than half of the 2.5 billion people without sanitation live in India or China. In India, where less than 31 percent of the population has access to sanitation facilities, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, a non-profit body founded in 1970 by Pathak, has so far constructed 1.2 million household toilets and 8,000 public toilets. It maintains the public toilets, with the help of
has the added advantage of being a source of renewable energy. “In China, biogas development is a national priority, so our effluent treatment system is a perfect low-cost solution for the country,” says Pathak. China aims to make its economic development model greener, an important part of its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). Born in 1943 into an upper-caste family in Bihar, one of the less developed provinces of northern India, Pathak’s life so far has been an interesting story of chances and coincidences. Pathak never planned to become a social entrepreneur, he just wanted to lead a decent life, and tried his hand at everything that came his way. “I just respond to a situation,” he says. “Rather intelligently and scientifically.” At the age of 23, he missed attaining a first class bachelor’s degree by a whisker, which could have landed him a job as a lecturer in a college. He later worked as a temporary clerk and even tried his luck as a street salesman, selling his father’s traditional medicines. But after months of toil, Pathak realized the profession lacked prestige and respect. “So, I decided to pursue a master’s degree,” he recounts. In fact, it was a midway-abandoned train journey in the late 1960s to the University of
touch the lower-class people.” The decisive shift in his life came in 1967 when a committee member, Rajendra Lal Das, convinced him to fulfill one of Mahatma Gandhi’s concerns and look for ways to deliver the liberation of scavengers. He went to live in a slum of scavengers for three months, as he wanted to experience their lives closely. At that time, it was an unthinkable move for an upperclass person. Those three months, however, changed Pathak’s life and the lives of millions of others in subsequent years. In those days the Western-style flush toilet and centralized water-borne sewage system were not affordable for everyone. Pathak therefore developed a new twin-pit toilet. But he had to wait a long time for the first opportunity to prove his simple solution for sanitation. In fact, no government organization was willing to try
By KRISHNA KUMAR VR in New Delhi For China Daily Asia Weekly
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MA XUEJING / CHINA DAILY
and altruism, he believes in the principle of trusteeship. “Money alone cannot give satisfaction,” he affirms.
Le Monde Magazine
The Guru of Toilets JP Géné, Special Correspondent in India Half of Indians do not have W.C. or are satisfied with the latrines of another era which are emptied / cleaned everyday by women situated at the lowest rank of the society. Bindeshwar Pathak has decided to liberate them from this humiliating condition.
INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL
LUNCH WITH BS – BINDESHWAR PATHAK, FOUNDER, SULABH INTERNATIONAL
The sanitary reaper By developing a selfsustaining model for public sanitation, the offbeat pioneer transformed the concept of philanthropy, writes Geetanjali Krishna
Freedom from
Open Defection
Bindeshwar Pathak
The sanitation Santa Claus THE MAN BEHIND SULABH SHAUCHALAYAS HAS TRANSFORMED THOUSANDS OF LIVES BY HELPING PEOPLE BUILD TOILETS IN THEIR HOMES
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How one simple solution is already bringing better sanitation to an estimated 10 million people a day.
BBC HORIZONS has featured Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s invention of the Sulabh toilet technology as one of the five unique inventions of the world* “Less than half of India’s population has access to an indoor toilet in fact more people in the country own a mobile phone. With very few public lavatories many people are forced to go in the open that has huge health consequences particularly for women and children. Over the years there has been very little interest or investment in this sector but one man is using innovation to try and change that. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is an internationally recognized, sanitation pioneer and Founder of Sulabh International, the largest non-profit organisation in India.” *featured on the programme BBC Horizons on 27.10.2013/ 30.03.2014
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/worldnews/horizons-human-waste.html Video link: http://www.bbc.com/specialfeatures/horizonsbusiness/episode/human-waste/...
Sunday Business Standard
‘I can end manual scavenging in three years’ Sulabh International founder BINDESHWAR PATHAK tells Streelatha Menon if the wealthy in India would spend to build toilets everywhere, it would lead to a revolution. Edited excerpts:
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Mr. Timothy J. Roemer Ambassador of United States to India
His Excellency Mr. Timothy J. Roemer, Ambassador of United States to India, delivered the Commencement Address in the University of Notre Dame, Graduate School, Indiana, U.S.A. on 21st of May 2011. The following is an extract from his speech: “To motivate you, let me tell you a story about …… toilets! India is a country with many inspiring people. There is, of course, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. His teachings of tolerance really are the key to the success of democracy in India and he has influenced civil rights movements around the world including in the United States. There is Mother Teresa, who lived and worked in India although her legacy now touches the lives of children, women, and the poor all over the world. There is Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. But there are also many inspiring people, lesser known to the world, like Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. Dr. Pathak, although from a very high caste, knew at a very young age that there was nothing wrong with touching the untouchables. He has dedicated his life to restoring the human rights and providing dignity to scavengers, which is the bottom-rung caste in India responsible for cleaning up human waste. To do so, he used technology to develop a safe and environmentfriendly toilet to replace pit latrines, reducing the need for scavenging and improving sanitation and hygiene for both rural and urban poor. He provided education to the children of scavengers, helping to break the never-ending family cycle of scavenging. He provided alternative economic opportunities so that women no longer have to clean toilets for the rest of their lives to provide for their families. All this has helped tackle a bigger problem – breaking down the caste system in India. As you leave Notre Dame today, I hope you will remember the story of Dr. Pathak. He did not start out to change the world. He started out to help some scavengers in a few villages in Bihar, a small state in the north of India on the Nepal border. As you start out today, you do not have to change the world overnight. But I encourage you to try to make a difference.”
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When Bindeshwar was a young boy, his grandmother once made him eat cowdung to ‘purify’ himself, after contact with an untouchable. The same Brahmin boy grew up to lead a movement we know as ‘Sulabh’. A revolution in toilets and a rightful place in society, for those who once cleaned them. I have many beautiful memories of summers spent in my ‘native place’. But the one thing I’d rather forget is the toilet. The toilet from hell. It was a raised platform with a hole. No flush, no sanitation, no escape from that god-awful stench. My aunt would say, “Put Vicks, you won’t smell anything”. Fat chance of that! For days, I would simply not use the toilet. But how long could one hold back? Bindeshwar Pathak Thoughts like these cross my mind on a beautiful February morning Sulabh International under a gorgeous blue sky. I am at the Sulabh complex near Palam in New Delhi, home to the world’s only museum dedicated to toilets. And to the one man who’s made it his mission to bring sanity to this country’s archaic systems both social and sanitary. I have a dream… Bindeshwar Pathak is a sprightly sixtythat one day something. Dressed in khadikurta and white all of God’s churidarpyjama, he looks like a village children will headmaster. And each morning, he plays that be able to join part, as he leads the ‘morning assembly’ at the hands and sing… Sulabh campus. Free at last!Free “Aao sab mil julke banaye in sulabh sukhad sansaaar…!” sings the Sulabh family. at last! Thank Over hot tea and pakoras. God Almighty, In his expansive air conditioned office. we are free at With a lilting Bihari accent. last! Bindeshwar Pathak shares his story. And it is simply amazing, it is breath taking, it is so honest, almost too-good-to-be-true. As Bindeshwar himself would say, “Hai kinai?” Jee, hai to sahi. Aur agar hai to hamare desh Martin Luther King Jr, speaking on mein aage ki peedhi ke liye hope hai. 28th August, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, A single person can move mountains, perform Washington D.C. miracles. And that person could be you…
CASTE AWAY
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BBC WORLD PROGRAMME: ‘BBC IMPACT’ Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and former untouchable scavenger, Mrs. Usha Chaumar was specially invited and interviewed on the BBC World News channel on 9th April, 2015. The programme known as BBC Impact was compered by the world famous television host and commentator Ms. Yalda Hakim. She referred to Dr. Pathak as ‘Mr. Sanitation’ for his efforts in bringing about a change in the sanitation scenario in India. Visit on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMhpTWQ5rg
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ACTIONS THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY
National Function on ‘UNTOUCHABILITY NO MORE’
Messiah of the Untouchables
SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN FROM THE BANKS OF GANGA, VARANASI
Then Now
www.xtremeonline.in # 9311156526
Profile of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
Soldier of Sanitation