PADMA BHUSHAN, FOUNDER OF SULABH INTERNATIONAL DR. BINDESHWAR PATHAK IS NO MORE. RIP

The true ambassador of clean India and founder of globally famous Sulabh International Bindeshwari Pathak breathed his last today at All India Institute of Medical Sciences after suffering a cardiac arrest at his office premises where he had this morning unfurled the national flag on 77 th Independence Day. Eighty year old Padma Bhushan Bindeshwari Pathak gave employment to thousands of women, men and youths at Sulabh International . While Dr. Bindeshwari Pathak was unfurling the flag at his central office this morning he complained of some uneasiness in the chest finally admitted at AIIMS but he could not be revived by senior doctors and sadly breathed his last. Recipient of prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2003 for his outstanding contribution in establishing Sulabh International toilets all over the country at cheaper rates and giving employment to thousands of women, men and youth of dalit community making them stand on their own feet bringing them out of shackles of castism and empowering them financially and socially, especially rural and poor women, Dr. Bindeshwari Pathak had earned name and fame globally having been recognised for his outstanding services in cleanliness and providing cheap, neat and clean toilets not only in India but in several foreign countries as well. A great follower of Mahatma Gandhi Bindeshwari Pathak after completing his graduation in 1968 joined the Gandhi Bhangi Mukti Shatabdhi Samittee in a cell that guaranteed relieving the Mehtars of carrying the shit on their head etc. He was highly concerned on seeing the plight of these poor Dalit people and pledged to free them from these age old shackles. As such he established Sulabh international in 1970 which guaranteed giving neat and clean toilets at cheaper places in the country. The movement worked and the government central and states took his significant services. Dr. Bindeshwari Pathak set up lakhs of toilets all over the country giving facility at cheaper, rather negligible price to one and all at offices, railway stations, J. J. Clusters, government offices etc etc. His movement worked which provided jobs of thousands of women, youths and men, illiterate and educated, all over the country with its central headquater at Palam village. Sulabh international worked in the field of solar power, environmental up gradation, non conventional energy sources, and various projects of social reforms. Thousands of youths and women from rural areas were associated with his projects earning livelihood raising their families and children making them future good and able citizens. In his quest to free men and women of dalit community carrying shit on their heads, great reformer Dr. Bindeshwari Pathak for the very first time invented DISPOSABLE Compost TOILETS . Later on they were modernised them with latest technology , indigenous and from abroad. He was from Vaishali Bihar and his longstanding and outstanding contribution can never be forgotten in the field of cleanliness and bringing toilet revolution in the country employing thousands of dalit and poor people in his mission of cleanliness and empowerment of women through SULABH INTETNATIONAL. The president Draupadi Mourning and prime minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Dr. Bindeshwari Pathak. The president in her X wrote : Heard about the extremely anguishing news of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International who had commenced a revolutionary step in the field of Cleanliness. He was honoured with Padmabhushan and several awards. I convey my deepest condolences to Sulabh international and his family, said president Draupadi Murmu. The prime minister Narendra Modi wrote in his X : The passing away of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Ji is a profound loss for our nation. 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. His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti.