Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
SANITATION CRUSADER
Down To Earth
|September 01, 2023
Bindeshwar Pathak's steadfast determination improved the state of public sanitation in India
I FIRST met Bindeshwar Pathak at a conference in Delhi, over two decades ago. Before this, I had heard about Sulabh Shauchalaya (community toilets set up by Pathak's non-profit Sulabh International) but had not known the person behind them. After we made acquaintance, he invited me to see the work that he had done. Since then, our paths crossed often during meetings, seminars and conferences of the water and sanitation sectors.
His determination and commitment to sanitation work was remarkable. At a time when governments were not able to provide toilets in public spaces to people across the country, he had set them up and ensured their maintenance quite well. And he did this not just in India, but also in other parts of the world.
This story is from the September 01, 2023 edition of Down To Earth.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Down To Earth
Down To Earth
THINK TWICE BEFORE FELLING SAL TREES
Many trees considered to be affected by sal borer in the 1990s are still alive today
1 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
EDGE OF SURVIVAL
Caste divides deny marginalised communities land, resources and essential aid, leaving them more vulnerable to climate disasters
6 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
A WISH LIST?
Union Budget for 2026-27 conveys the impression of a roll-call of intentions and ambitious proposals, with little detail on their formulation
6 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
Break down the gender wall
THE RULING National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has been heavily invested in the goal to make India a developed economy by 2047.
2 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
MENSTRUAL HEALTH, NOW A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court has recognised menstrual health and hygiene as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and dignity.
8 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
Of devolution and new disasters
The 16th Finance Commission pushes for changes in view of new fiscal and climatic conditions
11 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
Rising risks of plastics
NEGATIVE IMPACTS on human health due to emissions linked to the plastic lifecycle could double by 2040, according to a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health in January.
1 min
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
GAP BETWEEN EPIDEMICS NARROWING
A watershed-based and landscape-level approach is needed to address forest degradation
2 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
WAITING TO STRIKE
Sal heartwood borer is considered the biggest threat to forestry in India, especially to the sal tree, where it lives and breeds.
11 mins
February 16, 2026
Down To Earth
A SPRING DELIGHT
Mustard flowers are not meant only for the eyes. Invite them to your plate once in a while
3 mins
February 16, 2026
Translate
Change font size