Honouring a Visionary Who Transformed Sanitation in India
On April 2, 2025, Sulabh International proudly marked the 82nd birth anniversary of its revered founder, recipient of Padma Vibhushan – Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, with the inauguration of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre and the inauguration of his statue at Sulabh Gram, New Delhi.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries who paid heartfelt tributes to Dr Pathak’s pioneering work in sanitation and social transformation:
- Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India (2017 – 2022)
- Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, Government of India
- Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
- Shri Nitish Mishra, Minister of Department of Industries, Government of Bihar
In his tribute to Dr Pathak, former President Hon’ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind emphasized the need to institutionalize the study of Sociology of Sanitation in Indian universities which was pioneered by Dr Pathak. Hailing Dr Pathak’s vision and scholastic contribution, he urged institutions of higher learnings to incorporate sanitation as a part of social sciences curriculum.
In a special message, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hailed Dr Pathak as a “pioneering Swachhagrahi” whose innovations in cost-effective, eco-friendly sanitation revolutionized public health in India. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Memorial Centre would not only preserve Dr Pathak’s legacy but also inspire continued learning and innovation in the field.
Shri Kumar Dilip, President of Sulabh International, called the Memorial Centre a living tribute to Dr Pathak
Not Just the Founder of Sulabh, but the Soul of a Movement That Restored Dignity to Millions.
He described the centre as a beacon of compassion, innovation, and social justice for future generations.
Housed in Dr Pathak’s former personal office, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre has been envisioned as a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and inspiration. It highlights the life’s work of a man who dedicated himself to eradicating manual scavenging and promoting human dignity.
Key features of the memorial centre include:
- Interactive exhibits showcasing pioneering sanitation technologies such as the twin-pit pour-flush toilet, bio-digesters, and biogas systems developed by Dr Pathak.
- A curated display documenting Sulabh’s pivotal role in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and its alignment with India’s development vision—Viksit Bharat 2047.
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre stands as a testament to one man’s mission—to restore dignity, promote equity, and ensure universal access to sanitation. It will serve as an ongoing source of knowledge and inspiration for social reformers, scholars, and changemakers in India and beyond.
In a most befitting tribute, the inauguration was followed by a cultural programme by students of Sulabh Public School, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak.
Opening of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre
