Bindeshwar Pathak, a dedicated champion of social causes and the visionary founder of \’Sulabh International,\’ an organization steadfast in its mission to alleviate the plight of manual scavengers, breathed his last at the age of 80 due to a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Delhi. The confirmation of his passing came from a close associate.
Pathak, acclaimed for his unyielding crusade to elevate the lives of manual scavengers, commenced Independence Day by raising the national flag. Tragically, he suffered a collapse shortly thereafter and was swiftly rushed to AIIMS Delhi. However, medical professionals pronounced him as brought dead at 1.42 pm.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation conveyed the sorrowful news, stating, \”Founder of Sulabh Sanitation, Social Reform and Human Rights Movement, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is no more. He passed away due to cardiac arrest at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.\”
The statement further elaborated, \”He was taken to the hospital after he experienced discomfort during the Independence Day celebrations at the Sulabh campus on Palam-Dabri Road, New Delhi.\”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt condolences for the loss of this dedicated social reformer. He shared, \”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.\”
PM Modi went on to add, \”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.\”
Concluding his tribute, the Prime Minister expressed, \”His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti,\” accompanied by two pictures of him alongside Pathak.
Sulabh International has played a pivotal role in constructing nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets, employing a cost-effective two-pit technology. Beyond its infrastructural contributions, the organization has spearheaded a movement to combat the degrading practice of manual human waste cleaning.
Despite legislative efforts against manual scavenging, the practice has not been entirely eradicated. These laborers, commonly referred to as \”manual scavengers,\” persist in handling waste without adequate protective gear or masks—a practice Pathak vehemently condemned as \”demeaning.\”
Survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, Bindeshwar Pathak\’s legacy will endure through his transformative endeavors in the realm of social reform, and his contributions will continue to elevate sanitation standards and the dignity of marginalized communities.