Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre inaugurated to honour sanitation pioneer

To mark the 82nd birth anniversary of Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, the Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Centre was inaugurated at the Sulabh Gram campus. A statue of Pathak was also unveiled to honour his dedication to sanitation and social justice.

The ceremony was attended by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur and Bihar Government Minister Nitish Mishra, all of whom paid tribute to Pathak’s contributions and emphasised the need to carry forward his mission.

Former President Kovind highlighted Pathak’s impact on Indian society. He urged universities to consider the introduction of the Sociology of Sanitation as an academic field. “Dr Pathak’s philosophy must be integrated into the broader framework of social sciences,” Kovind remarked.

PM Modi described Pathak as a ‘pioneering Swachhagrahi,’ praising his key role in India’s sanitation revolution. “Dr Pathak introduced cost-effective, eco-friendly sanitation solutions that improved public health and upheld human dignity. Despite facing social stigma, he remained steadfast in his mission — ‘One Life, One Mission,’” Modi stated.