Bindeshwar Pathak, ‘toilet man’ who revolutionised sanitation in India, dies at 80

Bindeshwar Pathak, ‘toilet man’ who revolutionised sanitation in India, dies at 80

Bindeshwar Pathak, who recently passed away at the age of 80, dedicated his life to improving sanitation conditions in India. He focused on building public toilets and promoting clean sanitation practices across all sections of society. Despite facing resistance from his own community, Pathak was unwavering in his commitment to address the sanitation challenges in India.

Pathak’s efforts earned him the nickname “Toilet Man.” This title, while unconventional, highlighted his dedication to a cause that many found uncomfortable to discuss openly. Even within his Brahmin community, there were reservations about his focus on public toilets, as traditional beliefs considered toilets unclean and unfit for interaction.

His journey towards this mission began when he encountered the plight of manual scavengers, individuals tasked with manually cleaning human waste from “dry” toilets that lacked water or flushing systems. Pathak’s personal connection to this issue came from his decision to live with scavenger families as part of his PhD research in the late 1960s.

Appalled by the inhumane nature of this work, he was inspired to take action. He made a commitment to eliminate manual scavenging by constructing public toilets and encouraging the installation of sanitary facilities in homes across India. His vision extended beyond just building infrastructure; he aimed to raise awareness about the importance of clean sanitation and eradicate the stigma attached to it.

Bindeshwar Pathak’s tireless efforts and dedication to improving sanitation have left a lasting impact on India. His legacy stands as a testament to how individual determination and a sense of social responsibility can drive significant positive change in society.

In 1970, Bindeshwar Pathak established the non-governmental organization (NGO) known as Sulabh International. Three years later, in 1973, Sulabh International successfully constructed its first public toilet in the city of Arrah in Bihar, Pathak’s home state. This initiative aimed to showcase to the government that an affordable and effective toilet system, known as the twin-pit pour-flush system, was feasible and practical.

Building on this initial success, Sulabh International went on to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s sanitation landscape. The organization has been instrumental in constructing a significant number of household toilets, amounting to nearly 1.3 million. Additionally, Sulabh has established over 10,000 public toilets, including in locations with high population density such as urban slums and crowded public areas.

The public toilet complexes developed by Sulabh International not only encompassed toilet facilities but also incorporated bathing areas and designated spaces for people to conduct their laundry. This holistic approach to sanitation recognized the broader needs of the community and aimed to improve overall hygiene and living conditions. By providing amenities beyond just toilets, Sulabh International contributed to enhancing the well-being and dignity of individuals living in underserved areas.

Bindeshwar Pathak’s vision through Sulabh International has been to not only provide essential sanitation infrastructure but also to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and proper sanitation practices. His efforts have contributed significantly to improving the lives of countless individuals across India by offering accessible and hygienic sanitation solutions.

Sulabh International’s public toilet complexes operate on a user-paid model, where individuals pay a nominal fee to use the facilities. These complexes often go beyond just offering toilets, as some also provide additional amenities such as cloakrooms, telephones, and basic medical care. The widespread adoption of these complexes has resulted in an estimated 20 million Indians utilizing them daily, demonstrating their significance in addressing sanitation needs.

Notably, Bindeshwar Pathak’s innovative toilet designs have had a broader impact beyond India. His approach to connecting Sulabh’s toilets to fermentation facilities, enabling the production of biogas, has become widely adopted in many underdeveloped nations. This innovative design not only addresses sanitation challenges but also contributes to renewable energy generation and environmental sustainability.

Pathak’s efforts also had an influence on larger policy initiatives in India. His work in promoting accessible sanitation solutions and his commitment to improving the lives of marginalized populations served as an early precursor to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious campaign launched in 2014. This campaign aimed to ensure that every household in India has access to a toilet.

Pathak’s motivation to reform the lives of India’s poorest communities was deeply rooted in his personal experiences and observations. He was profoundly impacted by witnessing manual scavenging and by a childhood incident that highlighted the social injustices faced by the lowest castes. These experiences fueled his dedication to promoting clean sanitation, eradicating the practice of manual scavenging, and improving the quality of life for marginalized individuals across the country.

Bindeshwar Pathak’s journey was marked by personal transformation and a profound commitment to social reform. Despite the initial social norms and perceptions he encountered, his determination to promote sanitation and uplift marginalized communities ultimately earned him widespread respect and recognition.

Pathak’s early experiences, including being exposed to the practice of untouchability and witnessing the treatment of the lowest castes, deeply impacted him. A simple incident like accidentally touching the sari of a dalit woman led to his understanding of the deeply ingrained social divisions and prejudices. His grandmother’s response of making him drink a mixture of purifying substances highlighted the extent of societal beliefs at the time.

Despite these challenges and initial disapproval from his family, Pathak pursued his mission to bring about change. Over the years, his efforts to eliminate manual scavenging, build sanitation facilities, and raise awareness led to widespread appreciation and recognition. He transformed from being seen as someone engaged in a taboo profession to being celebrated as a social reformer and pioneer.

Pathak’s work garnered both national and international acclaim. He was honored with awards and accolades for his visionary efforts in improving sanitation, empowering marginalized communities, and advancing social progress. His work resonated with people from all walks of life, and his impact was acknowledged by the highest echelons of India’s political landscape.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, recognized Pathak’s immense contributions and visionary outlook. Modi praised Pathak’s role in working toward a cleaner and more empowered India, emphasizing his dedication to societal progress and the upliftment of the underprivileged.

Bindeshwar Pathak’s legacy remains a testament to the transformative power of one individual’s determination and commitment to social change. His work has left an indelible mark on India’s history and underscores the potential for positive transformation through tireless efforts and a sense of social responsibility.