| 1. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (1943-2023) was a renowned Indian Sociologist and the founder of Sulabh International, known for the Sulabh Sanitation Movement and Sulabh Toilets globally and in India. |
| 2. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Pathak's work closely aligned with the values and mission of the United Nations. |
| 3. His lifelong dedication was towards eradicating open defecation and manual scavenging. |
| 4. Dr. Pathak was born into a Hindu Brahmin family in Rampur village, Bihar, where his father was an Ayurvedic doctor and his grandfather a famous astrologer. |
| 5. Starting with a vision from his grandfather, Sulabh International has provided over 1.5 million pour-flush toilets in India since its inception in 1973. |
| 6. Sulabh Shauchalyas under Dr. Pathak's leadership now generate around Rs. 500 crores annually and employ over 50,000 individuals maintaining 8,500 public toilets in India. |
| 7. Despite facing setbacks in the beginning, his commitment remained unwavering. |
| 8. Driven by a childhood incident, Pathak decided to fight against the inhumane practice of manual scavenging. |
| 9. Encountering resistance from his community and family, he pursued his dream inspired by Gandhiji's teachings. |
| 10. After completing his education, Dr. Pathak delved into teaching and later explored several professional opportunities that shaped his journey. |
| 11. In 1970, he founded Sulabh Svachchh Shauchalaya Sansthaan with an innovative approach to sanitation solutions and compost toilets. |
| 12. Despite initial financial struggles, Dr. Pathak's perseverance led to significant achievements in the field of sanitation and social welfare. |
| 13. Over the years, he received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his impactful contributions. |
| 14. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak breathed his last at AIIMS in New Delhi on 15 August 2023, succumbing to a sudden cardiac arrest after participating in Independence Day celebrations. |
