About the Launch
A Milestone for Community-Led Development
On April 10, 2026, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Sulabh Forum for Development in Darbhanga, Bihar, carrying forward the visionary legacy of Padma Vibhushan awardee, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak. The Forum aims to foster community-led development, with a strong emphasis on women\’s participation, empowerment, and grassroots engagement.
Rooted in the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of Mithila, long known for its traditions of dialogue and knowledge exchange, the Forum embodies a bottom-up approach to development, ensuring that solutions are shaped by local realities and lived experiences.
Welcome Address
A Vision Beyond a Programme
Shri Kumar Dilip
President, Sulabh International
This is not just a programme; it is the beginning of a people’s movement.
In his keynote address, Shri Kumar Dilip underscored the transformative vision behind the initiative. He highlighted Sulabh’s commitment to women-led agricultural initiatives, including the development of community seed banks, reinforcing the importance of participatory and inclusive growth.
Dr Sutirtha Sahariah
Head of Communications & Vice President, Sulabh International
Dr Sutirtha Sahariah reiterated that the Forum reflects Sulabh’s core philosophy, that sustainable change must emerge from grassroots experiences and community ownership.
Research Perspective
Grounded in Field Research
Dr Bobby Luthra Sinha
Senior Research Fellow, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Research Foundation (DBPRF)
Dr Bobby Luthra Sinha presented preliminary findings from a needs assessment conducted across seven villages in Madhubani and Darbhanga. The study adopts a One Health approach, addressing interconnected challenges related to human health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural resilience, particularly in North Bihar’s flood-prone regions.
The findings serve as the empirical foundation upon which the Forum’s programmes will be designed, ensuring that interventions respond to documented needs rather than assumed ones.
Dr Dharamsheela Gupta
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
Sulabh’s work is not just about infrastructure, it is about transforming lives. The initiatives envisioned for Darbhanga and Madhubani have the potential to bring real, lasting change to the region.
Dr Gupta commended Sulabh’s contributions to sanitation and social development, and emphasised the need to expand access to public sanitation infrastructure across rural and semi-urban areas of Bihar.
Forum Initiatives
Five Pathways for Bihar’s Communities
The Forum highlighted several ongoing and upcoming initiatives that connect cultural heritage, livelihood, and well-being.
Makhana Cultivation as Local Growth Engine
Mithila Artists & Direct Market Linkages
Women’s Digital Empowerment
Expansion of Public Sanitation
Strengthening Women’s Livelihoods
Thematic Sessions
Three Conversations That Shaped the Day
The Forum convened practitioners, scientists, farmers, and policymakers across three thematic sessions, each grounded in field experience and pointing toward integrated, community-driven solutions for North Bihar.
Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihoods
Moderated by Dr Sandeep Kumar, Consultant, MicroSave Consulting
- Dr Manoj KumarSenior Scientist, National Makhana Research Center, DarbhangaHighlighted the potential of Makhana cultivation as a regional growth engine for North Bihar.
- Mr Ramesh KumarPresident, Ghojardih Block Swarajya Development Association, MadhubaniEmphasised community-led development models in strengthening rural livelihoods.
- Mr D N ThakurFormer Deputy Managing Director, National Cooperative Development CorporationShared insights on cooperative frameworks and institutional support for farmer empowerment.
- Ms Nirja BhatnagarNational Programme Director, Sulabh InternationalSpoke on linking innovation with grassroots impact.
- Mrs Sheela DeviFarmerShared practical challenges and lived experiences from the field.
Safe Drinking Water, Sanitation & Environmental Sustainability
Moderated by Mr Eklavya Prasad, Managing Trustee, Megh Pyne Abhiyan
- Dr Pradeep Kant ChaudharyFounder, Anadi FoundationStressed the importance of surface runoff water management for sustainable agriculture.
- Mr Rajeev KumarRepresentative, UNICEFHighlighted the importance of risk and resilience frameworks in water and sanitation systems.
- Mr Satyajit GhoshRepresentative, WaterAidAdvocated for evidence-based and innovative approaches.
- Dr Ravish ChandraFaculty, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (DRPCAU)Connected agriculture with environmental and public health.
- Mr Prabal KantWater Sector ExpertEmphasised strengthening rural water security through improved runoff water utilisation.
Nutrition, Sanitation, Pollution & the Health of Women, Adolescents and Children
Moderated by Mr Sanjay Suman, Consultant, PMU, Office of the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar
- Dr Savita KumariFaculty, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (DRPCAU)Highlighted the role of nutrition in improving community health outcomes.
- Dr Arun KumarSpecialist, Mahavir Cancer InstituteDiscussed the health impacts of pollution.
- Ms Amrita SinghRepresentative, Nav Astitva FoundationEmphasised the importance of community awareness and engagement.
- Ms Pushpa KumariFarmer and Community Health WorkerShared valuable grassroots insights.
- Dr Arunima ChauhanSulabh International School of Action Sociology and Sociology of Sanitation (SISASSS)Addressed menstrual hygiene and women’s health.
In Closing
Toward a People-Centric Future
Smt Nitya Pathak
Executive Convener, Sulabh Forum for Development
Mr G P Upadhyay
Senior Advisor, Sulabh International (Retired IAS Officer)
The inaugural event successfully established the Sulabh Forum for Development as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable solutions rooted in community participation and sustainability. The launch marks a significant step toward advancing people-centric development in Bihar, aligning with Sulabh’s mission to create dignified, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
By integrating research, policy, and grassroots voices, the initiative aims to build resilient rural ecosystems and drive long-term social and economic transformation across Madhubani, Darbhanga, and beyond.
Event Gallery
Moments from the Day
