Imagine a nation where dignity takes a backseat to the basic necessity of sanitation. This was the reality for millions in India for far too long. But then came a man who dared to dream of a cleaner, healthier future, a man who would be forever known as the “Toilet Man of India” – Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
Dr. Pathak’s story is one woven from the threads of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant and sanitary India. Gandhi famously declared, “Sanitation is more important than independence.” He understood that a clean environment is the bedrock of a strong and healthy society. Dr. Pathak, inspired by this vision, dedicated his life to transforming the sanitation landscape of India.
Today, as we see the sea change in India’s sanitation ecosystem through 10 years of progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission, we can truly appreciate Dr. Pathak’s incredible contribution to the cause. Mission Swachhta aur Paani, an initiative by News18 and Harpic, also walks on the trail that Dr Pathak blazed. A movement that champions the cause of inclusive sanitation, equality for all genders, abilities, castes and classes; Mission Swachhta aur Paani strongly advocates the belief that clean toilets are a shared responsibility.
So it was only fitting that we paid tribute to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak at the event celebrating the culmination of Mission Swachhta aur Paani, Season 3. On stage, Actor Akshay Kumar recounted his meeting with Dr. Pathak before the launch of his movie “Toilet – Ek Prem Katha”. He was floored by the stories that Dr Pathak told him. He also showed Akshay the many technologies and systems that are in use or being explored and introduced him to sanitation workers whose lives had changed because of their association with Sulabh International.
While today, we know him as a powerful agent of change, Dr. Pathak’s journey began not in the corridors of power, but in the stark realities of everyday life. Witnessing the plight of sanitation workers and the indignity of open defecation, Dr. Pathak knew he had to act. In 1970, he founded Sulabh International, an organization that would become synonymous with sanitation reform in India.
Sulabh International, under Dr. Pathak’s leadership, became a juggernaut of change. The numbers speak for themselves: Sulabh International is responsible for constructing over 1.5 million household toilets, 9,000 public toilets, and impacting a staggering 20 million daily users. But Dr. Pathak’s vision wasn’t confined to mere numbers. He believed in creating a sanitation revolution that touched every facet of society.
Sulabh toilets were not just brick-and-mortar structures; they were symbols of empowerment. Dr. Pathak championed the two-pit toilet system, a sustainable solution that not only provided sanitation but also generated biogas, a clean energy source. This innovation addressed not just sanitation but also the energy needs of communities.
Hygiene education became another cornerstone of Dr. Pathak’s mission. He recognized that sanitation goes beyond building toilets; it requires a shift in mindsets. Sulabh International spearheaded the construction of toilet blocks in over 6,200 schools, promoting hygiene practices among the future generation.
Dr. Pathak’s fight for sanitation equality extended to the most marginalized – sanitation workers. He challenged the social stigma attached to their profession and actively advocated for their upliftment. Sulabh International provided them with dignified working conditions and opportunities for skill development. Harpic World Toilet Colleges are furthering this mission, with the stated objective of improving the quality of life of sanitation workers through their rehabilitation by linking them with dignified livelihood options.
Dr. Pathak’s unwavering dedication to the cause didn’t go unnoticed. He was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, and posthumously, the Padma Vibhushan. The Stockholm Water Prize nominating committee aptly described his impact: “Dr. Pathak’s impact is extraordinary in scope. How could one man’s vision improve the lives of so many?”
Dr. Pathak’s story is not just about toilets; it’s about the power of one man’s determination to rewrite a narrative. He transformed a nation’s approach to sanitation, championed the dignity of sanitation workers, and instilled the importance of hygiene in future generations.
Just as the Harpic World Toilet Colleges have taken their cue from Dr Pathak’s vision and are making great strides in creating an ecosystem that supports the safety, dignity and upliftment of sanitation workers, Mission Swachhta aur Paani takes its cue to do the important work of communication and community building. For 3 years now, Mission Swachhta aur Paani has brought together the right stakeholders on a common platform, so that issues of importance can be discussed, and solutions found.
As Mission Swachhta aur Paani concludes its third season, Dr. Pathak’s legacy serves as a powerful torch. His life is a testament to the fact that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with unwavering commitment and a vision for a better tomorrow. Let us all carry forward his dream of an India where sanitation is not a privilege, but a basic right for all.
Join us here to learn how you can be a part of the solution, and help usher in a Swasth and Swachh Bharat.