Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak – A Change Maker Wins the Stockholm Water Prize

Usually extraordinary achievements come with the impetus of a normal man’s uncommon vision. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak may not be known by name to many even in his homeland – India. But the organization he has nurtured for nearly 40 years sure should be. It’s called Sulabh International. Setup almost single handedly by Dr. Pathak in 1970, Sulabh International is a social service organization which seeks to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through grassroots education.

In recognition of his unique contribution, The Stockholm International Water Institute honored him with this year’s Stockholm Water Prize. The organization noted his standout contribution towards bettering the lot of millions – work which has served as a template for similar missions across the world.

David Trouba, communications officer at the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council in Switzerland had this to say,

“Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is a shining example of how hard work and plain speaking about sanitation can measurably improve people’s dignity, privacy, status and, most importantly, health.”

This honor is just one among the many which have come the doctor’s way through the course of his pioneering work. In 1969, Dr Pathak was vested a special job by a committee set up during the Gandhi centenary celebrations. The task entrusted was to better the lot of scavengers in terms of their health and hygiene. The committee failed to meet the goal, but Dr. Pathak was inspired to carry it forward using his own means. He resigned and set up the non-governmental organization Sulabh International. One of his first achievements was designing a flush toilet, which functioned without being connected to the sewerage system.

His innovations since then have been numerous – a twin pit pour-flush toilet, better water conservation systems and technologies that convert waste into biogas for heating, cooking and electricity. His sanitation movement has been a byword of environmental cleanliness. For instance, he has made groundbreaking use of biogas creation by linking Sulabh toilets to fermentation plants. This besides producing odor-free bio-gas also releases clean water rich in phosphorus and other ingredients which are important components of organic manure.

His work has not only prevented the spread of infectious diseases amongst the poorer strata of society but also has significantly contributed to their sense of dignity. While awarding him this year’s prize, the institute cited this unique contribution.

For the last 40 years, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak has not only been a pathbreaker but a change maker as well.