Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak passes away at 80

NEW DELHI: Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 80 years old. A Padma Bhushan recipient and a renowned social worker, he was instrumental in introducing the innovative Sulabh Complex public toilet system in the country. This system helped to significantly reduce open defecation and manual scavenging. Despite his age, he worked tirelessly for his non-profit organisation, and his associates attest to his unwavering dedication until the end.

His relentless work on promoting sanitation and hygiene led him to receive the Padma Bhushan award, India’s third-highest civilian award, in the year 1991. In 2009, he received the Stockholm Water Prize. A graduate of sociology in 1964 from Banaras Hindu University, Pathak earned his PhD from the University of Patna in 1985.

He was at the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Sulabh International campus on Palam-Dabri Road at around 11 am when he complained of uneasiness. His condition deteriorated after 12.30 pm and was rushed to AIIMS.

Ramchandra Jha, a social scientist and a close aide of Pathak said, “The hospital declared him dead at 1.42 pm, citing cardiac arrest.” He added that for people to pay their respects, his remains will be kept at the main campus of Sulabh International.

In 1970, he founded Sulabh International, a non-profit organisation that has carried out extensive work on the conversion of dry latrines into modern toilets in over 1,700 towns and has helped build over 1,60,835 toilets.

Currently, the organisation has around 50,000 volunteers and has introduced the concept of maintenance and construction of pay-and-use public toilets, famously known as Sulabh complexes.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi mourned his death and said that Pathak’s death was a “profound loss” for the nation. He further added, “He was a visionary who worked extensively for societal progress and empowering the downtrodden. Bindeshwar Ji made it his mission to build a cleaner India. He provided monumental support to the Swachh Bharat Mission.”

“During our various conversations, his passion towards Swachhata was always visible,” Modi said. “His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest  condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

President Droupadi Murmu took to social media and wrote, “The news of the demise of Mr Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, is very sad. Shri Pathak had taken a revolutionary initiative in the field of cleanliness. He was honored with many awards including Padma Bhushan. I express my condolences to his family and members of Sulabh International.”