biography writing on bindeshwar pathak
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Introduction
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, is widely recognized in India – and around the world – for dedicating his life to build a nationwide sanitation movement spanning over five decades. His contribution has made a critical difference in the lives of millions of severely disadvantaged poor who couldn’t afford toilets, and those who worked as manual scavengers and hence faced severe discrimination in the society owing to their low caste.
Dr. Pathak was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi; subsequently, his work and ethos have intrinsically contributed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. In the last 50 years, he has worked tirelessly for the human rights of the manual scavengers who clean dry latrines, come from the lowest stratum of India’s caste-based system and are mostly women. His actions aimed at rehabilitating manual scavengers, resorting their dignity by providing alternative employment through skill development presents an inspiring example of promoting peace, tolerance and empowerment by a non-violent means.
Early Life
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak was born in a Brahmin family Rampur Baghel village of district Vaishali, Bihar. His mother was Yogmaya Devi and his father was Ramakant Pathak – a respected member of the community.
Pathak was close to his mother and was strongly influenced by her. Pathak says, ‘my mother always taught me to help others. She never turned anyone away who came for help. From her, I learned to give without expecting anything in return. It is said a man is not born for himself but for others.’ Pathak ingrained these values early on in life. Honesty and integrity have been his guiding principle throughout his life and career. Sulabh International, the prestigious organisation that he founded was built through enterprise and tenacity embedded on those values.
Both his parents were, however, firm in the belief that education alone would help the family get out of difficulty. Pathak’s grandfather was an astrologer. Pathak says, ‘with time and experience, I have learned to respect the teachings of my parents and maternal grandfather. They gave me a life of love and compassion beyond my dreams.’
Pathak spent all his childhood and adolescent years in the village where he completed his school education. He later moved to the state capital Patna and enrolled in B.N. College from there he graduated in sociology.
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
After completing his studies, he worked as a teacher for a while before joining the Gandhi Centenary Committee in Patna as a volunteer. This was, however, not his original plan. He wanted to study masters in criminology from Sagar University in Madhya Pradesh. While travelling to Sagar, he was advised by two gentlemen to join the Gandhi Centenary Committee – they said he would be paid well. Since money was the need of the hour, Pathak was convinced. However, when he approached the committee, he learnt that there was no job. Since he had missed the deadline for the admission at Sagar, he decided to stay on and work as a volunteer.
By the time Pathak completed his advance degrees including a doctorate, he was married and even had children. By that time Sulabh International, the organisation he founded was just taking off.