Mr. Bindeshwar Pathak, passed away on 15 August 2023. He died after a cardiac arrest at AIIMS, Delhi. Survived by his wife, son, and daughters, he was praised by PM Modi and President Murmu for his efforts in societal progress and sanitation. Pathak founded Sulabh International in 1970, promoting hygiene and rehabilitating manual scavengers. His efforts towards making a better nation cannot be summarised.
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Background of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
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Born in a Brahmin family in Bihar, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s values were shaped by his mother’s selfless teachings. He imbibed a spirit of helping others without expecting anything in return. Despite his parents’ belief in education, Pathak initially pursued teaching and later volunteered with the Gandhi Centenary Committee due to financial constraints. His plan for a criminology master’s changed, leading him to become a dedicated volunteer. He earned advanced degrees and founded Sulabh International, an organisation promoting hygiene and social change while balancing family responsibilities.
How It All Started
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Working for the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Committee, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak met Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. His mission to restore untouchables’ rights and dignity profoundly impacted him and his team. The incident where an untouchable boy was abandoned during an attack due to his caste shook him deeply, solidifying his commitment to Gandhi’s dreams. Besides this, his traumatising childhood memories motivated Pathak to resolve and strengthen the sanitization in India while witnessing brutal treatment in Betiah.
In 1968, he designed a sustainable solution, the two-pit pour-flush toilet, to eradicate manual scavenging and its associated stigma. Dr. Pathak’s invention sparked a sanitation movement, driving him to tirelessly liberate manual scavengers from the chains of modern-day enslavement and bring about societal change.
The Mission
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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak took up a big challenge: to give dignity to untouchables and ensure everyone had proper toilets. But it wasn’t easy. Back then, many homes in India had no toilets, and people had to go outside. This was risky, especially for women. Pathak faced many problems, but he didn’t give in. He changed his approach and made his organisation self-sufficient.
1973 a smart move caught leaders’ attention, and Pathak’s toilet project took off. He got praise from newspapers like The New York Times. His smart ideas and hard work greatly impacted people’s health and dignity.
Pathak’s mission wasn’t just about cleanliness. He wanted to change unfair rules that stopped manual scavengers from entering temples. In 1988, he did something brave. He took manual scavengers to temples, breaking old barriers. It was a huge step, and even leaders like President Venkataraman and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi praised him.
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In 1991, Pathak got the Padma Bhushan for his big work. He also won The International Saint Francis Prize. His work didn’t stop at toilets. He empowered manual scavengers, training them for new jobs and giving them respect. He even started celebrations for widows and challenged old customs.
Pathak’s work also helped kids go to school. Sulabh International, under his leadership, played a big role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Clean India mission. They got the Gandhi Peace Prize for it. Pathak’s actions changed many lives. He believed we can make society better if we work together. As Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, Professor Rajmohan Gandhi, said, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is like a son to Gandhi, carrying on his noble work.
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Awards He Collected
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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s remarkable journey of compassion and service has been recognized through prestigious awards. Honouring his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
- He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991, acknowledging his efforts to uplift manual scavengers and transform sanitation practices, reflecting his dedication to restoring dignity.
- In 1992, he received The International Saint Francis Prize, a significant recognition from Pope John Paul II that highlights his profound influence on both humanity and the environment.
- The Gandhi Peace Prize celebrated his pivotal role in the Clean India Campaign, showcasing his nationwide efforts towards promoting cleanliness and hygiene.
- In 2019, he was honoured with the Global Pluralism Award, a testament to his commitment to inclusivity and human rights, fostering respect for all.
- The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award pays tribute to his tireless pursuit of harmony and social justice, embodying his core values in action.
- Dr. Pathak’s contributions were further acknowledged with the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, which recognizes his compassion and dedication to uplifting marginalised communities.
- The UNESCO Gandhi Medal, a symbol of alignment with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, was bestowed upon him for his transformative work in creating a more just and compassionate world.
