Sulabh International's Founder Bindeshwar Pathak, Catalyst of Sanitation Movement, Passes Away at 80

Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak, who was known as the pioneer in building public toilets in the country, passed away following a cardiac arrest on Tuesday. He was 80

According to a source in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, Pathak was brought to the hospital at 1.15 p.m. and was declared dead at 1.30 p.m.

According to people close to the family, Pathak attended a flag hoisting programme on Tuesday morning. He then came back to his office and complained of uneasiness after which he was rushed to AIIMS.

Sulabh has constructed over 1.3 million household toilets and over 50 million government toilets based on an innovative two-pit technology. Apart from construction of toilets, the organisation has been leading a movement to discourage manual cleaning of human waste.

The Indian Railways had in November 2016 joined hands with Sulabh International and appointed Bindeshwar Pathak as the brand ambassador of its Swachh Rail Mission, stepping up its efforts to keep railway premises clean.

For his pioneering work, Pathak was conferred with the Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India.


President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the death of social worker and founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak.

In a tweet in Hindi, she said that the news of Pathak's death is extremely sad. He took a revolutionary step towards ensuring cleanliness by building toilets, the president said, adding that Pathak was honoured with Padma Bhushan and several other awards.

"I express by condolences to his family and members of Sulabh International," the president said further.


In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, "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." 

Modi further said that "His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time". - IANS