Bindeshwar Pathak, the visionary founder of Sulabh International, an organization that spearheaded efforts against open defecation, passed away on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest. His remarkable journey and impactful contributions leave an enduring legacy in the realm of human rights, sanitation, and social reforms.
Born in the Rampur Baghel village of Vaishali district in Bihar, Bindeshwar Pathak hailed from a Brahmin family. His passion for social change led him to Patna, where he pursued a sociology degree from B.N. College. After a stint as a teacher, he joined the Gandhi Centenary Committee in Patna as a volunteer, marking the beginning of his transformative journey.
Pathak’s inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals spurred him to dedicate the last five decades of his life to advocating for the rights of manual scavengers, particularly women who occupied the lowest rungs of India’s caste-based system. His relentless efforts aimed at uplifting the marginalized and eradicating the practice of open defecation, which has significant health and societal implications.
In 1973, Pathak’s advocacy reached new heights when he collaborated with Bhagdeo Singh ‘Yogi,’ an MLA, to address the issue of manual scavengers through a letter to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her response initiated a process of raising awareness and generating support for the cause.
Pathak’s innovative approach led to a breakthrough when an officer from Arrah municipality in Bihar entrusted him with 500 rupees to construct two toilets for demonstration purposes. These prototypes impressed authorities, prompting the initiation of a wider-scale project to combat open defecation and provide improved sanitation facilities.
Pathak’s work garnered appreciation and recognition, reaching the corridors of power. Even in his passing, his contributions have not gone unnoticed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging Pathak’s vision and dedication to societal progress and empowerment, especially for the marginalized.
As the founder of Sulabh International, Bindeshwar Pathak’s legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals to work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive India. His relentless pursuit of change stands as a testament to the enduring impact of grassroots initiatives in shaping the nation’s progress.
Sources By Agencies
