Bindeshwar Pathak Biography 
Bindeshwar Pathak is an Indian sociologist, social worker and social activist who founded Sulabh International, an India-based social service organization. The organization aims at promotion of human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education. His activities in the field of sanitation and hygiene have earned him praises, and he currently serves as the Brand Ambassador for Swachh Rail Mission of Indian Railways. He is also known as a prolific writer and speaker. His work on sanitation - The Road to Freedom is his best known work.
He was born in Rampur of Bihar on 2 April 1943. Graduated in Sociology in the year 1964, he later earned master's degree in 1980 and PhD in 1985, both from the University of Patna. As a social worker, his best contributions are to the fields of sanitation and hygiene. Apart from his work - The Road to Freedom, he also attends conferences on sanitation, health and social progress around the world.
As a social worker to the field of sanitation and hygiene, his first stint was with Bhangi-Mukti (scavengers’ liberation) Cell of the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebrations Committee in 1968. For his research work and thesis, he travelled across India and collected data. Through his travels, he drew the conclusion that much more in needed for the sanitization of India, which resulted in the establishment of Sulabh International Social Service Organization in 1970. Through this effort he combined technical innovation with humanitarian principles, which became a grand success. Now the organization has more than 50000 volunteers.
For his significant contribution to the field of sanitation and hygiene, government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 1991. In addition to it, he is a recipient of about 75 honours, given by different organizations from India and outside for his social service. He was given International Human Rights’ Award in 2006 and Stockholm Water Prize, Sweden in 2009.
Published: N/A
Updated: October 23, 2017
