Visit of his Excellency Richard Rahul Verma, United States Ambassador to India at the Sulabh Campus

Nish Acharya

VISITING FELLOW, INDIA-U.S. STUDIES Not only has Prime Minister Modi identified toilets as a national priority, but India’s path-breaking NGO, Sulabh International, has already shown that Indians are willing to pay for clean, functioning toilets. Sulabh has scaled to 8,000 pay-for-use toilets across India, and introduced technology that is being used in over 1.2 million homes.

Partnerships between American startups and Sulabh are creating various sanitation solutions for the different environments of India. www.xtremeonline.in # 9311156526

Excerpts in the aforesaid book about Sulabh International which was founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in 1970.

Visit of hIS eXCELLENCY

Richard Rahul Verma United States Ambassador TO INDIA at THE Sulabh Campus on August 13, 2015 SULABH INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATION

Thank you : Your Excellency

August 2015

Rich Verma USA Ambassador Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring tour – you are doing amazing things to transform people’s lives and keep them safe and healthy Mr. Richard Rahul Verma being sworn-in as US Ambassador to India by Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State, United States

– we are proud to know you and work alongside you in this worthy effort.

Rich Verma

His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma presenting his credentials to Hon’ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India

Preface

I

t was a moment of great pride and joy for us when the US Ambassador to India, His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma, came to see the work our organisation Sulabh has been doing for the past forty-seven years in the fields of sanitation and social reform.

His Excellency was gracious enough to meet the members of my family as well as the retired IAS officers who are now working with Sulabh and the liberated untouchables who used to clean nightsoil and suffered terrible discrimination and humiliation. He also met the women from Hirmathla village in Haryana where nobody goes outside for open defecation as every house there has a toilet. A group of people from West Bengal was also fortunate to have met him. They were earlier suffering from effects of arsenic water and are now recovering because Sulabh is treating and purifying water from the ponds and rivers, making the water safe for consumption. The widows of Vrindavan, who earlier suffered much and led a miserable existence but now have been given a new lease of life by Sulabh, were delighted to have interacted with the US Ambassador. And so were the students from Portsmouth University, United Kingdom, who are doing internship at Sulabh. The happiest people were the Sulabh social workers who got a chance to meet and interact with the visiting dignitary.

It was amazing to see how His Excellency made everyone comfortable to open up and how he heard each one of them with empathetic interest. Our humble volunteers remember his warm handshake and appreciate him for being so unassuming, soft-spoken and down-to-earth. They were pleasantly surprised because commoners like them seldom see these qualities in great dignitaries here. Persons of eminence generally remain in too much of a hurry to interact with common people, but His Excellency listened to everyone sensitively and responded and bonded with them beautifully.

I would like to underline here that the sanitation scenario in India has improved considerably because of various Sulabh sanitation technologies invented by me. Now, women use toilets instead of going out for relieving themselves (as did earlier which also undermined their safety and dignity), girls 1

go to schools as they have toilets there and the untouchables rescued from the unhygienic and sub-human occupation now lead a dignified life on a par with others in society which was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi. I also visualized and implemented the concept of well-maintained public toilets at public places, tourists and religious places. But these things have to be broadened and scaled up.

We were also gratified that the Ambassador saw for himself the Sulabh Public School where hygienic practices are followed in keeping the toilets clean.

Manufacturing of sanitary napkins, keeping them safely and disposing them after use in the incinerator is a unique example in this country. His Excellency also saw our International Museum of Toilets which has the distinction to be the one of the finest toilet museums in the world.

For the entire Sulabh family, His excellency’s visit came like a breath of fresh air. Everyone was so happy to greet and meet him. Unlike other visiting dignitaries, who are generally conscious of their exalted position and keep a safe distance from the commoners, Ambassador Verma freely mingled with everyone.

He interacted with everyone so graciously, and that was so refreshing. Especially the children of our school were overwhelmed to meet and interact with him. They waved their tiny hands to him in a gesture of request to come again.

Sulabh has worked in collaboration with the USAID in the past and we have trained about 15,000 women from the slum areas as health volunteers. They go house to house and educate people about health practices and also help them in their household services.

Of late, the USA and India are coming closer and this is an opportune moment to fully cooperate and collaborate to make India free from the malaise of open defecation. Sulabh will be very happy to work with the Government of USA and NGOs working in this country to make India clean and open-defecation free, thus fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and the present Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. With the efforts of His Excellency, I am sure USA and India will come closer and the bonds between the two countries will grow from strength to strength.

(Bindeshwar Pathak)

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Address of US Ambassador to India His Excellency

Mr. Richard Rahul Verma

T

hank you Doctor, Thank you Sulabh. Thank you to everyone who is here today and for all that you have done.

It is really a great privilege and honour for me to be here with all of you because you have done so much to transform ordinary lives.

As people’s lives have been impacted in such a special way and they have been given the respect they deserve - this has a huge impact on millions of people across this country.

I am so proud to be here today and to meet all of you and to congratulate all of you for all the outstanding work that you have done. It has been absolutely amazing. The commitment to work on clean water and sanitation and to help realize India’s goal and Prime Minister’s vision is something we are very committed to.

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On behalf of the President and on behalf of the Secretary of the State, I know this is a huge priority for them, it is a huge priority for our mission, for USAID team, for our health team at the Embassy and we are proud to be partner with you. We look forward to working with you, on these really worthwhile efforts and what I learnt here today that is it doesn’t take a lot of money, that is necessary.

It doesn’t take most advance technology; it takes commitment from people to change the way they do things; it takes change by governments, and by leaders; it takes some finding and again to impact health, safety to education and particularly to impact girls and how people can transform their lives; really we are committed to these efforts thoroughly with you.

I would tell you that my parents immigrated from Punjab in Jalandhar and I was able to go back to the house where my grandmother lived, in 1974. I was there as a boy and there was no flush toilet in the house in 1974. So I knew exactly what the challenge is and I also know that when I went two months back things have changed dramatically for the better and the world’s new infrastructure, new sanitation, and new toilets could be put; so it’s long way to go, so much progress has been made under the leadership of such an inspiring leader that you have here in Dr. Pathak. It’s really amazing; we would continue to be your partner, thanks for the great team. From the U.S. Embassy we congratulate all of you and all of you are really role models for us and we would be following your footsteps.

Thank you very much.

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Dr. Pathak welcoming His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma on his arrival at the Sulabh Campus

Mrs. Amola Pathak presenting a shawl to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma on his arrival at the Sulabh Campus

Mr. Kumar Dilip welcomes the US Ambassador to India His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma on his arrival at the Sulabh campus

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Mrs. Nitya Pathak presenting a bouquet to the US Ambassador at Sulabh campus

US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma meeting Shri S.P. Singh, Chairman, Sulabh International

US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma meeting the retired IAS officers who are now working with Sulabh.

A group photograph with Sulabh volunteers.

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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

D

r. Bindeshwar Pathak is a versatile genius who has made pathbreaking contributions to society without the power of post or money. He has turned the pages of India’s long history of untouchability, social discrimination, and the mass practice of open defecation. He has also given a new life to the long-suffering widows of India.

The Sulabh Founder is a Renaissance Man who combines in his multifaceted personality the traits of a social scientist, an engineer, an administrator and an institution-builder. What is remarkable is that he has ingeniously utilized all these talents to enrich and empower the depressed classes and improve community health, hygiene and environmental sanitation. He is fulfilling thus the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Dr. Pathak is a great humanist and social reformer of contemporary India. To the weaker sections of society especially, his is the compassionate face of a paternal redeemer. He has the vision of a philosopher and the zeal of a missionary. An icon of sanitation and social reform, he has made a difference in the lives of millions of people. With his efforts the erstwhile untouchables have been allowed by the society to intermingle with them, to live on a par with them, dine with them and offer prayers in the temples. He has created a new culture which embraces the poor and extols the dignity of labour. His boundless love for the downtrodden finds expression in myriad and tangible ways. No wonder those who know him intimately swear that Dr. Pathak is born to help the helpless.

He is the leader of an international crusade for restoration of human rights and dignity to millions of scavengers (cleaners and carriers of human excreta), traditionally known as untouchables, and for providing safe and hygienic human waste disposal system which can benefit 700 million Indians who go out for open defecation. Dr. Pathak’s multi-pronged efforts in bringing scavengers, worst victims of institutionalized caste discrimination and engaged in a sub-human occupation, in the mainstream of national life, have taken the shape of a movement for social justice and social reform.

Dr. Pathak is an internationally acclaimed expert on sanitation and he has developed and implemented on pan-Indian scale a low-cost and appropriate toilet technology (popularly known as the Sulabh Shauchalaya System). This invention has been declared as a Global Best Practice by United Nations HABITAT and United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS).

The credit of sensitizing Indians towards sanitation and those engaged in the sanitation work goes to Dr. Pathak. Apart from low-cost sanitation, his contributions are widely known in the areas of bio-energy and bio-fertilizer, liquid and solid waste management, poverty alleviation and integrated rehabilitation programme for the liberated scavengers.

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Dr. Pathak's pathbreaking initiatives Freedom for untouchables and restoration of their human rights After liberating the untouchable manual scavengers, Dr. Pathak developed a holistic plan to restore their human rights and dignity and to bring them in the mainstream of society. Firstly, he got them relieved from the work of cleaning human excreta by getting bucket toilets, cleaned by scavengers, converted into Sulabh flush toilets. Thus the owners of the bucket toilets got the flush toilets and raised no objections. Secondly, he set up the institute of ‘Nai Disha’ at Alwar, Rajasthan, to provide them education and vocational training to earn their own livelihood.

Dr. Pathak first taught them how to read and write and how to put their signatures to draw money from the banks. For three months Sulabh gave them stipend in cash because they were not literate. But after they learnt to read and write Sulabh gave them their stipend by cheque. Thirdly, Sulabh gave them vocational education in making eatables like papads, noodles, pickles and also in market-oriented trades such as tailoring, embroidery, fashion designing, beauty-care, etc. Vocational training enabled them to earn their livelihood, freeing them from economic problems.

Dr. Pathak helped them to perform rituals and ceremonies of the Brahmins and upper castes. Initially, there was some opposition, but now the Brahmins offer them a cup of tea when they visit them. Now, they even invite the ex-untouchables on festive occasions and marriage ceremonies and exchange gifts. Dr. Pathak also took the ex-untochables to Varanasi to take a dip in the sacred Ganga. They also offered prayers to Lord Shiva at the Vishwanath temple and received the Lord’s blessings. After that 200 Brahmin families had a meal with them. This had never happened before. Later, Dr. Pathak also took them to the holy shrine of Ajmer Sharif and the sacred Cathedral Church, New Delhi, where they participated in the prayers. They also visited and prayed at the Gurudwara. Thus, the people of different faiths and castes accepted the former untouchables.

Through these measures Dr. Pathak succeeded in emancipating the scavengers as well as making two towns of Rajasthan—Alwar and Tonk—scavenging-free. The scavengers now freely mingle with the upper-caste families, including those that had earlier employed them to clean and carry nightsoil. Now they sit together for tea and breakfast.

The scavengers do the facials and beauty-care work for the upper-caste ladies. They are no longer discriminated against in the marketplace while shopping or buying fruits and vegetables. The upper-caste families now exchange greetings and attend the festivals of the untouchables and vice-versa. This shows a remarkable social change in the people’s attitude. Alwar and Tonk are now free of untouchability. Thus, Dr. Pathak has brought the untouchables into the social mainstream.

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Ms. Puja Chagra, a former untouchable scavenger from Tonk, Rajasthan welcoming the US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma by applying the traditional vermilion ‘Tilak’ on his forehead

Group photograph with liberated untouchable scavenger women from Alwar & Tonk, Rajasthan.

US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma interacting with the liberated untouchable scavenger women from Alwar & Tonk, Rajasthan.

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Widows of Vrindavan Dr. Pathak's helping hand

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Widows of Vrindavan greeting the US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma

On a writ petition filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for ameliorating the lives of the Vrindavan widows, the Hon’ble Supreme Court had expressed concern at their plight, requesting the concerned authorities to inquire whether Sulabh would provide food to the widows who were living in pitiable and penurious conditions.

This prompted Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak to immediately pay a visit to Vrindavan. Visiting the Ashrams he found their condition heartrending and pathetic. Shocked and moved to tears on hearing their stories and miseries, he immediately provided a stipend of Rs. 1000 per month to each of the 552 widows. Since then Dr. Pathak has taken various steps to mitigate the sufferings of the widows and improve their living conditions. Later it became apparent to him that that the amount of Rs. 1000 per month per widow was inadequate. Some of them still used to go to various temples to sing bhajans for five rupees a day for meeting their expenses on food and other essentials. He wanted to ensure that the widows living in these government-run shelters do not go to bed hungry or eke out their living by begging which was hitherto a common sight.

Keeping these things in mind he increased the stipend amount to Rs. 2000 with effect from February 2013.

This has enabled the widows to have two meals in their Ashrams, obviating the need to go out for singing and begging. This has instilled in them a sense of belonging and has lifted their broken spirits.

Another aspect that required urgent attention was the medical and health needs of the widows, as most of them are very old. To ensure their proper medical care, Sulabh has handed over five well-equipped ambulances, which are stationed at the five Ashrams.

Now, medical clinics with able and qualified doctors have been set up in the Ashrams, where regular health checkups and medical help are given free of cost to all widows.

Moreover, to make the widows self-reliant, Sulabh has started vocational training centres for ablebodied widows. These centres train them in tailoring, dressmaking for Lord Krishna, making of incense sticks and flower garlands (for sale in the market) so that they can earn their living. They have been provided

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A group photograph with the widows of Vrindavan.

The US Ambassador accepting the bouquet and shaking hands with the widows of Vrindavan

with sewing machines by Sulabh. Dr. Pathak has also introduced educational programmes to improve their language skills in Hindi, English and Bengali.

Some widows who died at these homes were accorded proper funeral rites in accordance with the Hindu custom and the expenses were borne by Sulabh.

Dr. Pathak wants the Vrindavan widows to have a sense of identity and belonging, he does not want them to have a feeling of being an unwanted burden on the society, as they felt earlier.

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Hirmathla:

Open defecation free village Hirmathla is a village in Mewat district of Haryana where Sulabh has undertaken promotion of sanitation awareness and construction of toilets for all habitants. Sulabh got financial assistance from the Rail Tel Corporation India Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility Program for construction of 100 individual household toilets. Out of the total cost, beneficiary contribution was Rs. 3,000 and the rest of cost was borne

by Rail Tel for 100 units and for 36 by Sulabh. The village has 167 households all of which has a toilet now. Thus, the village has become free of open defecation. Having been declared a Nirmal Gram, Hirmathla has been awarded for the same. Sulabh has provided Total Sanitation Coverage in the village: construction of toilets for all individual households; creation of awareness for sanitation; promotion of health and hygiene programmes in schools; encouragement of women empowerment; and strengthening of Self Help Groups (SHG) for monitoring and implementation of the sanitation and social plans.

A group photograph of the women from Hirmathla village with the US Ambassador, Dr. Pathak and Mrs. Pathak

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Hon’ble Mr. Richard R. Verma with Mrs. Priyanka Bharati and Mrs. Priyanka Rai who refused to live with their in-laws

who had no toilet in their houses Mrs. Priyanka Bharati was married in 2012 to Mr. Amarjeet Kumar of village Vishnupur Khurd in Maharaj Ganj district of Uttar Pradesh and Mrs. Priyanka Kumari was married to Mr. Lalchand Rai of Kushinagar. When they came to their in-laws’ place, they were horrified to find that there was no toilet there. As new brides, they were disgusted by the thought of going out for defecation. They revolted and refused to live in their in-laws’ places and came back to their parental homes. They declared they would not come back unless toilets were built there. When the news grabbed the attention of the media, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the Founder of Sulabh International, declared to honour the two women with cash awards of Rs. 2 lakh each. He got Sulabh toilets and bathing room furnished with modern facilities built for them. He also built rooms for storing grains and fuel, observing that villagers habitually go for defecation in the open and use toilet room for other purposes. Dr. Pathak travelled to the village Vishnupur Khurd and after handing over the award money, he appointed Priyanka Bharati and Priyanka Kumari as Sulabh Sanitation Messengers. Now, the two women travel and teach the village women in the area on the importance of sanitation and encourage all villagers to have toilets in their houses.

The US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma listening to Mrs. Priyanka Bharti, who left her in-laws house as it had no toilet and returned only when one was built.

Supporting her bold step, Sulabh gave her a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh

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US Ambassador meet with Ms. Asma Parveen

who motivates the people for construction of toilets In August 2014 Ms. Asma Parveen saw six daughters-in-law in eastern Uttar Pradesh returning one by one to their parents’ homes because there was no toilet in their in-laws’ residence. This deeply pained Ms. Asma and made her realize that a toilet is an absolute need— and vital for women’s dignity and respect.

This understanding spurred her to start a campaign in her village for construction of a toilet in every household. Due to her effort and intervention, 70 household toilets have been built in Kushinagar district. Based on her first-hand knowledge, she says that at least Rs. 25,000 is required for the construction of a sustainable toilet.

The US Ambassador meeting with Ms. Asma Parveen from Uttar Pradesh, who motivates the people for construction of toilets

Ms. Asma runs a Toilet and Sanitation Awareness Campaign in the districts of Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoriya and Maharajganj districts. She makes the village people aware of the diseases which are caused due to open defecation and points out the multiple benefits of having a toilet.

Ms. Asma has been awarded by Mr. Akhilesh Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and the District Magistrates of Deoriya and Gorakhpur for her social and sanitation work.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the Founder of Sulabh International, has hailed Ms. Asma for her laudable work. He also persuaded Ms. Asma to join the Sulabh Sanitation Movement, and she is now a part of the nationwide movement for toilet and cleanliness.

US Ambassador meet with Mr. Sunil Aahire

who spreads toilet awareness through the marriage-cards Mr. Sunil Aahire, who belongs to Chandgaon village in Nashik district of Maharashtra, publishes marriagecards. In the cards he publishes he inserts a message highlighting the importance of toilets. He is the first person who is campaigning for toilets in this unique way. In the cards he quotes the views regarding toilets and sanitation of famous personalities such as Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the Sulabh Founder, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Ms. Pankajatai Munde, Minister of Rural Development, Maharashtra.

He highlights the fact that 50 per cent people worldwide do not have the toilet facilities. He makes people aware that open defecation not only causes air and water pollution but also causes many diseases, such as chickungunya and cholera. The toiletless people spend as much as 20 per cent of their income

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on treatment of these preventable diseases. He highlights such telling facts to generate awareness about sanitation.

The number of household toilets in the country is 40.84 per cent and 69.16 per cent households do not have toilets. There are 48.03 per cent household toilets in Maharashtra.

In Nashik, 38.04 per cent households do not have toilets. In Nandoorbar district only 28.07 per cent people have toilets in their homes. 48 per cent households do not have toilets in Sangli district.

In the sub-urban area of Mumbai city 31.05 per cent families use the public toilets. But 70 per cent people use mobile phones in Pune district and 50 per cent people use mobiles in Aurangabad.

Thus, the available statistics show that the number of people with mobile phone is far bigger than the number of people who have toilet facility, which is an essential requirement for human health and a clean environment.

Mr. Aahire’s work is creating a ripple in society.

His work is indeed commendable.

The US Ambassador meeting with Mr. Sunil Aahire from Maharashtra, who spreads the toilet awareness through the marriage-cards

US Ambassador meet with Mrs. Chaitali Rathore

She requested her parents to give her a toilet as a marriage gift since her in-laws' didn’t had one Few months ago, 25-year-old Chaitali Rathore (of the village Karanja Ramjanpur in Akola district of Maharashtra) was in the news headlines. Now married to Mr. Devendra Mokhode from a village in Yavatmal district, Mrs. Chailtali had taken a step that became noteworthy. On coming to know before her marriage that there was no toilet in her in-laws’ residence, she made the unusual request to her parents to give her a toilet as a marriage gift. Chaitali’s parents accepted her demand and happily gifted a portable bio-toilet to their daughter. The set was kept on display at the wedding function!

For setting an example for the toiletless villagers, Mrs. Chaitali Rathore has been highly praised by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder of Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement. Acknowledging her as a messenger of sanitation, Dr. Pathak has announced to confer her with the Sulabh Sanitation Award and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.

Chaitali Rathore is now working as Sulabh’s Ambassador to motivate people to build toilets. It is indeed remarkable that Chaitali didn’t demand any ornaments or cash as a wedding gift from her parents but a toilet, which shows that ‘Clean India Campaign’ has created awareness about sanitation in the villages of India.

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The US Ambassador meeting with Mrs. Chaitali Rathore from Maharashtra.

She requested her parents to give her a toilet as a marriage gift since her inlaws’ didn’t had one

A group photographs with The US Ambassador to India

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Reaching out to:

The Arsenic affected people of Madhusudankati, West Bengal

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His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma interacting with the people of Madhusudankati village from West Bengal who were suffering from the effects of arsenic in their drinking water but are now recovering, as the Sulabh Water Purification Plant has been set up in their village, which provides purified water to them at the rate of 50 paise per litre

Sulabh has set up in Madhusudankati, a remote hamlet in West Bengal near the India-Bangladesh border, a pilot project Sulabh Purified Water Plant, which treats water collected in a deep, man-made pond at the village. It has been developed jointly

by Sulabh and French NGO 1001 Fontaines. The plant started operating several months ago with the capacity to produce everyday 8,000 litres of potable water called Sulabh Jal. The water costs 50 paise (less than one cent) per litre, which makes it the cheapest purified bottled water.

For residents of Madusudankati, the plant has proved to be a great help after years of suffering from skin and other diseases caused by arsenic in ground water pumped from wells. After commencement of the Sulabh Water Treatment Plant, the residents are getting clean Sulabh Jal. There has been considerable improvement in the health of the people affected by the arsenic poison.

Apart from supplying safe drinking water, Sulabh is also treating people suffering from arsenic poisoning at a health centre adjacent to the water plant.

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The US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma showing his interest in the Sulabh Swachhta Rath. The Rath, equipped with the latest audio-visual gadgets, is travelling across the country spreading the message of Swachh Bharat and the Sulabh Sanitation Movement

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Sulabh Purified Water ATM The Sulabh Purified Drinking Water is the latest technological initiative from Sulabh. Through this technology, impure water from rivers, ponds, water bodies and taps is properly treated, making the water safe for human consumption. Sulabh has installed such water treatment plants at three sites in West Bengal, namely Madhusudankati (24 Parganas, near Bangladesh border), Mayapur and Murshidabad. Water is drawn from the river Ganga in Mayapur and Murshidabad, while in Madhusudankati it is taken from a local pond. After its treatment at the Sulabh Water Treatment Plant, the water from the river/pond becomes purified and absolutely safe for drinking. Sulabh is bottling this water as Sulabh Safe Drinking Water which is available for Rs. 0.50 per litre. At the entrance of Sulabh Campus in Delhi, it is also available in the Sulabh Water ATM.

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The US Ambassador using the Sulabh Water ATM installed at the Sulabh Campus.

Dr. Pathak explaining to the US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma the operation of Sulabh Purified Water ATM installed at the entrance of Sulabh campus.

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Sulabh Health Centre Sulabh Ideal Health Centre is a part of Sulabh Toilet Complex. A Total Healthcare Concept is practised here to achieve the goal of ‘Health for All’, as visualized by WHO. Our Health centre has following facilities:Â Free Consultations by Doctors for general public throughout the day. Â Dispensing of essential medicines at the token money of Rs. 5 from those who are willing to pay, otherwise it is given free of cost. Â Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine provides low-cost sanitary napkins. Â Distribution of Condoms, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS), Iron, Folic Acid and Calcium tablets free of cost. Â Works as the Pulse Polio Centre of Delhi Government.

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Dr. Pathak explaining to the US Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma the use of the incinerator installed in the Sulabh Public Toilet in which the used sanitary napkins are incinerated

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SULABH BIOGAS PLANT

The human excreta in the Sulabh Public Toilet does not go waste. It is linked to the Sulabh Biogas Plant where it is treated and converted into gas. This Sulabh Biogas is used for cooking, lighting lamp, electricity generation, warming oneself and also for street lighting.

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Dr. Pathak telling His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma about the use and efficacy of the Sulabh Biogas Plant

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His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma frying papad at the Sulabh kitchen where the biogas from the Sulabh toilet complex is used for cooking. It is more economical than conventional gas.

The US Ambassador lighting the mantle lamp which uses biogas from the Sulabh Toilet Complex as the source of energy.

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The US Ambassador watching an engine which ignites on battery to convert biogas into electricity

The US Ambassador watching a demonstration of the Sulabh biogas being used as heating agent and warmer.

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Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant Another technology developed by Sulabh is the Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant wherein biogas plants effluents from public toilets become odourless, colourless and pathogen-free. This concept of recycling is based on the fact that the water in the system is purified through Ultra Violet (UV) rays and such water is free from pathogens and bacteria. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is less than 10 per milligram per litre in the treated water, making it safe to be used as fertilizer or to be discharged into river bodies as there is no chance of pollution.

Dr. Pathak, thus, developed the human waste treatment system in its entirety to dispose it locally, without the need of costly sewerage treatment plants, etc. Recognizing this, the BBC Horizons has recently declared the Sulabh technologies as one of five unique inventions of the world.

His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma waching the treated water taken out from the Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant

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Dr. Pathak showing the treated water to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma taken out from the Sulabh Effluent Treatment Plant.

Dr. Pathak's technological inventions:

Sulabh Two Pit Ecological Compost Flush Toilet

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Simplicity and charm: The US Ambassador squatting and having a close look at the model of Sulabh Toilet.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was the first person in modern India who paid attention to the problems of open defecation and manual scavenging. He wanted to end these practices at the earliest, as he was keen to restore the human rights and dignity of the untouchables. He had a special concern for the scavenging untouchables— he wanted that their status should be on a par with others and even that of the highest in the land—but felt that till the time they cleaned human faeces nobody would have food or social relation with them.

In 1968, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak joined the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee, which was formed to make preparations for the centenary celebrations of Gandhi in 1969. There, he was assigned the task of finding an alternative to manual scavenging as well as developing the ways and means to restore human rights and dignity of the untouchables, which was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.

After extensive research Dr. Pathak invented the two-pit ecological compost toilet known as Sulabh Shauchalaya for the safe and hygienic disposal of human waste. This toilet technology, which is appropriate, affordable and culturally acceptable, requires only one litre of water to flush out the excreta in comparison to the requirement of 10 litres per flush in a conventional toilet.

In the Sulabh technology, the human excreta gets converted into fertilizer because out of the two pits; one is used at a time and the other remains as a standby. Manual cleaning of human 33

The US Ambassador getting a detailed overview of the two pit model which requires only one litre of water to flush.

Dr. Pathak showing to H.E. US Ambassador around the full scale models of the Sulabh low cost toilets built from different materials.

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The US Ambassador enquiring about the use and effectiveness of the two pits which are used in the Sulabh Toilets.

The US Ambassador seeing the model of the Sulabh roofless toilet. This type of toilet has been specially designed for those who require fresh air while using the toilet facilities.

Dr. Pathak showing His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma superstructure of the Sulabh Shauchalaya for the higher income groups.

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His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma being shown the model of the Sulabh two pit ecological toilet installed in areas where there is space constraint.

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Dr. Pathak showing to the US Ambassador the low cost Sulabh toilet made out of local material like gunny bags which are both easily available and economical.

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His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma enquiring about the technology and functioning of the two pit compost ecological toilet

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Dr. Pathak explaining to the US Ambassador the outline and functioning of the two pit compost ecological toilet

excreta is not required in this system. In addition to this, bio-fertilizer is produced which can be used to raise the farm productivity, or for horticultural and floricultural purposes. This technology proved to be the effective solution to end the practice of manual cleaning of night-soil by the untouchable scavengers and defecation in the open.

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Dr. Pathak's initiatives:

Wealth from Waste In the Sulabh Two Pit Ecological Compost Toilet, the human excreta after remaining in the pit for two years gets converted into biofertilizer. This biofertilizer is free from pathogens, as it contains nitrogen (1.8%), phosphate (1.6%) and potassium (1%). This can be used to enhance the productivity of the soil—for agriculture and horticulture purposes. This manure is a rich fertilizer and also a very good soil conditioner that improves the farm productivity.

The US Ambassador being shown the human excreta which has been converted into manure fertilizer in the shape of a ball

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Dr. Pathak showing the dried water hyacinth to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma and explaining that the biogas generation shows better results when fed with dried water hyacinth which increases the gas production

Dr. Pathak explaining to His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma the Sulabh technology of purifying domestic waste water through duckweed (a free floating aquatic plant) which cleans water to a level that it can be safely discharged into any river body

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Designer Door:

Made out of Human Excreta Mr. Santiago Sierra and Ms. Mariana David, two sculptors from Mexico, visited Sulabh in January 2006 with a project to make some art works out of manure converted from human excreta of the pits of Sulabh Shauchalayas. After much experimentation and research, they created 22 sculptures in the shape and size of doors. In their artistic venture, they got assistance from Mr. Michael Coombs, an artist from London. Their art works were displayed in the Lisson Art Gallery in London in November 2007 and later also exhibited in the Munich Gallery in Germany. One of their art works is prominently displayed in the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets.

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Dr. Pathak explaining to the US Ambassador of the low cost door made from compressed human excreta

The Sulabh Research and Development Laboratory Sulabh has a well-equipped and fully functional laboratory with testing facilities for undertaking research and innovation in waste water treatment methods, lowcost sanitation technologies, development and improvement of biogas digester system, etc. Among other things, this laboratory has the distinction of testing a large number of samples, at the behest of the Delhi Pollution Control Board, from effluent treatment plants of various industries in Delhi and providing certificates about quality of the effluent discharged.

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His Excellency Mr. Richard R. Verma looking at the samples through the microscope at the Sulabh Research and Development Laboratory

The US Ambassador evincing keen interest in the functioning of the Research Laboratory in the Sulabh Campus

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Former untouchable scavenger tying a Rakhi made by them on the wrist of the US Ambassador

On the occasion of the visit of the US Ambassador, the former untouchable scavengers from Alwar set up stalls showcasing various items manufactured by them

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His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma evincing keen interest in the display boards which show the four-and-a-half-decades journey of Dr. Pathak and Sulabh

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The US Ambassador interacting with the students of Sulabh Public School, New Delhi

Dr. Pathak’s thrust on education for the children of former untouchable scavengers:

Sulabh Public School Sulabh Public School is situated within the Sulabh Campus in New Delhi.

Here, 60 per cent of the students are from the Dalit community and 40 per cent are from other communities. This English medium school is one of the first schools of its kind where Dalit students get not only free quality education but also get all facilities, including books, uniforms, etc., free of cost.

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In this model school, the toilets are cleaned by the teachers and students themselves, and not by others.

Mahatma Gandhi wanted that all people should clean their own toilets. This school fulfils this dream of Gandhi.

The girls of Sulabh School Sanitation Club make sanitary napkins in this school. Students are also taught how to properly dispose the napkin after use in the incinerator

The US Ambassador joining the Morning Assembly with the students of Sulabh Public School

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The children of Sulabh Public School with His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma

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The US Ambassador blessing the students of Sulabh Public School

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His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma in one of the class rooms of Sulabh Public School where 60 per cent of the students are from the Dalit community and are taught in the English medium

The US Ambassador in the computer class with young students of Sulabh Public School

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Sulabh School Sanitation Club Sulabh has set up a School Sanitation Club. In this Club, apart from other activities, the school girls are taught to make sanitary napkins using simple materials. The school has also installed the vending machine where sanitary napkins are available. Incinerators have also been installed where sanitary napkins are disposed of easily.

The US Ambassador operating the machine used for making sanitary napkins.

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A young member of Sulabh School Sanitation Club explaining to US Ambassador how to operate the machine used for making sanitary napkins

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A young girl, a member of the Sulabh School Sanitation Club, explaining to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma the procedure for making sanitary napkins

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A joyous moment at the Sulabh Public School

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Sulabh Vocational Training Centre

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His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma interacting with the students in the tailoring class of Sulabh Vocational Training Centre The US Ambassador being shown the intricacies of bridal make-up in the beautycare vocational class

The Sulabh Campus in New Delhi also houses a Vocational Training Centre.

This centre imparts young students, mainly belonging to the weaker sections of society, two-year training in vocations like tailoring, beauty care, computers, fashion designing, embroidery, stenography, electronics, etc.

It is heartening to note that not a single youngster trained here in the market-friendly trades has come back to say that he or she has not got a job. They all get employment because the training given here is extensive and effective.

Sulabh Vocational Training Centre gives young people from struggling background hope by showing them the way to earn their living and lead a meaningful life.

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Sulabh International Museum of Toilets A unique Museum of Toilets is located in the Sulabh Campus. One of its kinds in the world, Sulabh International Museum of Toilets has a rare collection of artifacts, pictures and objects detailing the historic evolution of toilets since 2500 BC. A large number of visitors, both from India and abroad, have shown keen interest in this museum, finding it informative, educative and fascinating. So far about 28 lakhs persons have visited

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His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma being shown the various artifacts at the Museum

The Curator of Sulabh International Museum of Toilets explaining the exhibitions to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma

it through our website, and over 10,000 people take the trouble to come here personally to see this museum.

Different items collected in the museum give a chronology of developments relating to sanitation technology, divulge toiletrelated social customs and etiquettes, and shed light on the sanitary conditions and legislative efforts of many countries over the centuries. The museum has an impressive display of privies, chamber pots, toilet furniture, bidets and water closets in use from 1145 AD to the contemporary time.

The museum aims to educate students and interested people about the historical trends in the development of toilets, provide information to researchers about the design, materials and technologies adopted in the past and those in use in the contemporary world, and help policy-makers and sanitation experts better grasp the efforts made earlier in this field throughout the world so that they can learn from the past and solve the present-day problems in the sanitation sector.

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Sulabh Anthem Writtern and Composed by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

Sulabh is the sun, Sulabh is the moon, And all the stars are Sulabh.

Sulabh is earth; the earth is bountiful, It has all the charming colours.

Here are all the creatures, birds and animals, And with them are the lovely human beings.

The mother earth has spread its wings, In full bloom are colourful flowers.

Mountains, forests, flowing rivers beckon us, Let us move together, O dear ones from abroad!

Let us sing the song of love and bring joy to the world, Let us thus erase the dividing wall of class and colour.

Keep the earth sparkling clean, light the lamp of beauty, Let’s edify the world with righteousness and humanism.

Keep clean, be helpful and happy, Let us learn and spread this message.

Embrace everyone to make another world, All come together to make the Sulabh world.

(Translated from Hindi)

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CITATION “He promises to be one of the most influential Indian-Americans in the US.” - Senator Tulsi Gabbard

United States Congress

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Your Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma Ambassador of United States of America to India We are extremely happy to welcome Your Excellency US Ambassador Mr. Richard Rahul Verma in our midst today.

United States of America is indeed a country where what matters is not birth but worth of merit, hard work and integrity, and Ambassador Verma’s splendid career is an example of that. His is an inspiring story of an Indian immigrant family making it big in the US through sheer hard work and ambition. His struggle and his triumph have made Indians proud. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said about him during the confirmation, “He promises to be one of the most influential Indian-Americans in the US.” As the US Ambassador to India, Mr. Verma is perhaps the most influential Indian-American today.

Ambassador Verma’s academic accomplishments and administrative experiences are numerous and extraordinary. He is a former Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs. From 2009-2011, he served as a principal advisor to Secretary Clinton. He led the State Department’s budget and policy efforts on Capitol Hill, handed more than 200 Senate confirmations, and managed several major congressional investigations. He was also the Administration’s lead negotiator with Congress on Iran sanctions and the ratification of the new START Treaty. He most recently served as a senior counselor at both Steptoe & Johnson and the Albright Stonebridge Group, where his practice focused on international law and global regulatory compliance.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Verma served in the Senate as the senior national security advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

He also worked in the House of Representatives for Defense Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Murtha. Formerly a country director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Eastern Europe, Mr. Verma was a senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and served on the boards of the Clinton Foundation, Human Rights First, and the National Democratic Institute.

Mr. Verma served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to1998, for which he has received the Meritorious Service Medal and 65

the Air Force Commendation Medal. He received a B.S. from Lehigh University, a J.D. from American University and an L.L.M. with distinction from Georgetown University Law Center.

This is a very brief account of his magnificent career; there are several other feathers in his career cap.

Sir, we are tempted to invoke Your Excellency’s association with issues of Human Rights to better understand our Sulabh Movement which seeks to emancipate the scavengers who manually clean and carry human waste and bear the cruel burden of being “untouchables”, which is a black spot on our face as slavery once was to America. Although we have come a long way since the days of Lincoln and Gandhi, the issue of injustice and social discrimination still persists. Gandhi wanted to abolish manual scavenging, but before he could do that, he fell, like Lincoln, to the assassin’s bullet. To cut a long story short, my life mission has been to fulfill Gandhi’s dream of liberating the scavengers. During the last 45 years, I have struggled hard and have come close to ending scavenging and liberating the scavengers.

Untouchability is, of course, legally banned and untouchables are now called Dalits, but the remnant of that dehumanization of a section of our society still remains and hurts us. The good news is, we are earnestly dealing with it.

Our movement has tried to liberate the ex-untouchables not by violent protest but by social reform. But social prejudice runs deep and old, obnoxious habits die hard. Many people still don’t touch scavengers, don’t eat with them nor have any social relation with them—the scavengers, thus, remain social pariahs. They have the protection of law of the land but still suffer from several visible and invisible discriminations practiced against them. To overcome this, Sulabh put into practice the classic reformist recipe of education, vocational training and economic rehabilitation alongside several socio-cultural measures for restoring their human rights and dignity. We especially recognized the inevitability of technology and put it into practical use, which has deepened and made effective our struggle for a just society.

Sulabh’s holistic and many-sided campaign seems to be working excellently, the glimpses of which we shall show to Your Excellency during the visit to the Sulabh Campus today.

Recently Nish Acharya, Visiting Fellow, India-U.S. Studies, who was formerly with the Obama Administration as Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in his book “India-U.S. Partnership: $1 Trillion by 2030” has stated: “Not only has Prime Minister Modi identified toilets as a national priority, but India’s pathbreaking NGO, Sulabh International, has already shown that Indians are willing to pay for clean, functioning toilets. Sulabh has scaled to 8,000 pay-for-use toilets across India, and introduced technology that is being used in over 1.2 million homes. Partnerships between American startups and Sulabh are creating various sanitation solutions for the different environments of India.”

Your Excellency, we thank you again for your visit which will always remain a sweet memory with us. Welcome again.

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Dr. Pathak and His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma in an animated discussion

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His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma being felicitated

by Dr. Pathak

The Sulabh literature being presented to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma

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Dr. Pathak presenting a framed Madhubani tapestry made by the artists of Madhubani, Bihar, to the US Ambassador.

Dr. Pathak presenting the two pit model to His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma in the Morning Assembly

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Goodbye till we meet again

His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma interacting with the media people at the culmination of his visit

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He came, he saw, he conquered.......

Thank You, Your Excellency

I am the son of the son of Mahatma Gandhi but Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is the son of his soul.

If we were to go to meet Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, he would first greet Dr. Pathak for the noble work that he is doing and then meet me. Dr. Pathak has restored human rights and dignity to people engaged in the manual cleaning of human excreta which they carried as head-load. – Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi

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His Excellency Mr. Timothy J. Roemer, Ambassador of United States to India, delivered the Commencement Address in the University of Notre Dame, Graduate School, Indiana, U.S.A. on 21st of May 2011.

The following is an extract from his speech: “To motivate you, let me tell you a story about …… toilets!

India is a country with many inspiring people. There is, of course, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. His teachings of tolerance really are the key to the success of democracy in India and he has influenced civil rights movements around the world including in the United States.

There is Mother Teresa, who lived and worked in India although her legacy now touches the lives of children, women, and the poor all over the world.

There is Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

But there are also many inspiring people, lesser known to the world, like Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.

Mr. Timothy J. Roemer Ambassador of United States to India

Dr. Pathak, although from a very high caste, knew at a very young age that there was nothing wrong with touching the untouchables. He has dedicated his life to restoring the human rights and providing dignity to scavengers, which is the bottom-rung caste in India responsible for cleaning up human waste.

To do so, he used technology to develop a safe and environment-friendly toilet to replace pit latrines, reducing the need for scavenging and improving sanitation and hygiene for both rural and urban poor.

He provided education to the children of scavengers, helping to break the never-ending family cycle of scavenging.

He provided alternative economic opportunities so that women no longer have to clean toilets for the rest of their lives to provide for their families.

All this has helped tackle a bigger problem – breaking down the caste system in India.

As you leave Notre Dame today, I hope you will remember the story of Dr. Pathak.

He did not start out to change the world. He started out to help some scavengers in a few villages in Bihar, a small state in the north of India on the Nepal border.

As you start out today, you do not have to change the world overnight. But I encourage you to try to make a difference.

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Mr. Harry G. Barnes, US Ambassador to India, at a Sulabh Project in Patna (Bihar).

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The Times of India, New Delhi Thursday, May 29, 2008 Jug Suraiya Gandhiji’s credo that the decent and hygienic disposal of human waste must be central to any society which claimed to be both egalitarian and civilised inspired Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder of Sulabh International (1970) and designer of a flush toilet which did not require to be connected to a sewerage system. The Sulabh Shauchalaya network of salubrious pay toilets his organisation has spread across the country is a testament to the life-work of a true karma yogi. Pathak, however, remains one of the rare exceptions to the general rule of ‘No toilets, please; we’re Indians’.

Publication: The Times of India Delhi; Dae: May 29, 2008; Section: Editorial; Page 20;

Democracy gone to pot Jug Suraiya If equality is a cardinal point in the compass of democracy, is the WC an apter symbol for a truly ‘people’s government’ than the ballot box? In her excellent book, Smoke and Mirrors: An Experience of China, Pallavi Aiyar tangentially but tellingly raises this question. She recounts how her Beijing landlord, a US dollar millionaire, would come in person to fix her choked lavatory when the plumbing packed up. She contrasts this with India “where even our maidservants refused to clean the toilet, pointing out... that they were not jamadars”. China, a chimeric cross between authoritarian communism and rampant capitalism, passes

the toilet test. India, a mongrel democracy scabbed by the scar tissue of caste, does not.

Indeed the toilet has long been the (failed) litmus test for India’s democratic aspirations. Twelve years before the country gained independence, Mulk Raj Anand brought the millenniaold stench of the night-soil carrier into the sequestered and genteel sitting rooms of middle-class urban India in his classic indictment of caste as an instrument of the worst kind of inhuman bondage, Untouchable. Literary lore has it that Anand conceptualised and wrote Untouchable in the rarefied realm of London’s so-called Bloomsbury Group, which included writers like Virginia Woolf. On his return

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to India, Anand showed his manuscript to Mahatma Gandhi, who read and returned it with the terse comment that the language of the narrative was that of Bloomsbury, not of an untouchable. Anand had to stoop from his elitist perch to conquer; he had to learn to scrub the literary lavatory.

way of life as seen from the viewpoint of an ingenuous subcontinental student, the then Delhi correspondent of the International Herald Tribune quoted the author as saying in an interview that he had chosen to come back to India from the US, where he himself had studied, because he did not want to live in a society where it was necessary for him to ‘clean his own toilet’. That dreaded toilet test again. And the avowed, indeed proudly proclaimed, failure of even a supposedly liberal, western-educated Indian to pass it. On the basis of this single admission, the IHT correspondent concluded — with more than a hint of triumphalism — that for all its vociferous claims to being the world’s most populous democracy India was woefully bereft of the social and cultural matrix that formed the basis of democratic liberalism as understood and practised in the western world.

The Mahatma himself was, of course, an enthusiastic toilet cleaner, making it a regular regimen not only for himself but also for Kasturba to swab out the communal latrines in his ashram. Had he been around today, Harpic (Pine Scented) might well have appointed him as its Brand Ambassador Extraordinaire, being not only the Father of the Nation but also Cleaner-in-Chief of the National Loo. Gandhiji’s credo that the decent and hygienic disposal of human waste must be central to any society which claimed to be both egalitarian and civilised inspired Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International (1970) and designer of a flush toilet which did not require to be connected to a sewerage system. The Sulabh Shauchalaya network of salubrious pay toilets his organisation has spread across the country is a testament to the life-work of a true karma yogi. Pathak, however, remains one of the rare exceptions to the general rule of ‘No toilets, please; we’re Indians’.

Will India ever pass the toilet test of democracy? The electioneering signs and symbols of the times are not propitious.

The political party so charismatically led by Mayawati — the latest, and most glittering, icon of the downtrodden — is pictorially represented by an elephant. Would Behenji contemplate substituting it with a toilet brush? Only as a graphic symbol, of course, not for actual use — lest her diamond diadem come a cropper in the process.

When in 1991,Anurag Mathur published his best-selling novel, The Inscrutable Americans, an engagingly amusing look at the American

secondopinion@timesgroup.com

Source: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrintGifMS IE_PASTISSUES2&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin....

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Meet the ‘toilet man of India’ ALJAZEERA - Showkat Shafi | 21 Aug 2015

Dr Bindeshwar Pathak has built 1.3 million toilets in India where nearly half of billion plus people defecate in open.

According to the UN, around 595 million people, or nearly half of India’s population, defecates in the open.

In his first Independence Day address on August 15, 2014, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the building of toilets in rural India, one of his government’s major priorities.

A year later the Indian government claims that their “Clean India” campaign has since achieved the target of ensuring separate toilets for boys and girls in all schools across the country. They also claimed to have constructed around 800,000 toilets in rural India.

But according to some reports in local media, while the toilets may be getting built, many villagers have refused to change thir habits, and toilets are lying empty.

Al Jazeera spoke to Dr Bindeshwar Pathak - founder of Sulabh International - who has made it his mission since Sulabh’s founding in 1970, to raise awareness of better hygiene through the building of toilets across the country.

Al Jazeera: Why are there so many millions of Indians living without toilets?

Pathak: In India in [the] Puranic period [Vedic period] it was suggested that Indians don’t defecate near human habitation. It was also suggested that one should go at a distance, dig a small pit, put some grass and leaves in it and then defecate. This practice of defecation in the open is still prevalent in India, especially in the rural areas, in urban slums and at places of religious gatherings.

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In earlier days, the villages had trees, bushes and raised mounds where one could take cover while defecating. This and the tropical climate only helped people to observe this practice freely. Therefore, it has cultural legacy; besides while many people do not have adequate money to build the toilets, in some cases no place is available to build the toilets.

AJ: Has the approach to toilets changed in India?

Pathak: When I used to meet people in [the India state of] Bihar in 1968, they used to discourage me to talk about toilets. Now talking about toilets has become common in this country and even the Prime Minister of India mentions about it; and we have been able to provide toilet related-solutions not only to India but also to 2.5 billion people across the globe who have no access to safe and hygienic toilets. The toilets are now being built by the NGOs, government bodies and others. The goal now is not only to build toilets but to also get people to use them.

AJ: How do you convince people and why are villagers refusing? How did you get involved in this field?

Pathak: During childhood and formative years of my life, belonging to an orthodox Brahmin family and living in a village, I saw the elders and specially women of the family, including my mother and aunts being constrained to rise early in the morning and go out to the fields to ease themselves, and undergo the pain and discomfort of holding back the urge to evacuate during the day and wait till dark to go out to answer call of nature. I did not feel happy about all this.

Secondly as a child I saw the person who used to come to clean the house being shunned and all of us being told not to touch because he was an untouchable. But out of curiosity I touched him, which was not taken favorably by my family members. My grandmother forced me to undergo a Wpurification ritual of swallowing urine, sand and Ganges water. These experiences and incidents firmed my resolve to make it my mission to see that untouchability is mitigated and the obnoxious practice of defecating in the open is eliminated.

More than 53 percent of Indian homes — about 70 percent in the villages — lack toilets [EPA] AJ: But how did you get involved in building toilets? What prompted you to build more than a million toilets in peoples’ homes?

Pathak: My aim was to make people aware about importance of toilets and to let people know there are some 50 types of diseases that one can get from not having a toilet. Lack of toilets can cause diahorrea and dehydration, and mortality rate increases among children.

My target was to provide safe and hygienic toilets to women so that they could use toilets in safety and with dignity, and girls go to schools. My aim was to rescue the untouchables from this sub-human occupation and to bring them in the mainstream of society which was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.

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My endeavor was also to demonstrate how toilets can be built and maintained for the use of people in the public places like bus stands, markets, railway stations etc. Since 1970, our NGO Sulabh, has converted and constructed 1.3 million household toilets and constructed and are maintaining more than 8,000 public toilets on “pay and use” basis all over the country, of which 200 of them are attached with biogas plants.

I invented the two pit pour flush ecologically compatible compost toilet … but all this required a great deal of effort moving from house to house motivating people overcoming their reluctance to install toilets in their houses.

AJ: You mentioned safety and security for women.

Pathak: Yes. There have been many instances where women and the girls were raped when they went outside for defecation. You must have read many times about this in newspapers.

For example, how in Badaun two girls were raped and then hanged. We have built 108 individual household toilets to save the girls from harassment. If the toilets are built inside the houses, I think the incidence of rapes will decline.

AJ: Since Narendra Modi became prime minister, he has spoken up about the need for improving sanitation, even launching a toilet campaign. But is it working? And is there any real success of the campaign on the ground?

Pathak: Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign has ignited the minds of Indians and talking about toilets has become commonplace now. The whole nation has woken up and everywhere there is talk and attempt being made to provide toilets in both the places i.e. individual and public places. It is working well. The prime minister is the first person who has taken up this cause wholeheartedly. He is the first prime minister to talk about toilets, even with the President of America, Barack Obama. He has also talked about toilets in Australia and China. So the outcome of the campaign is gaining ground and the nation is on the march and the whole nation is agog with talk about toilets which is creating public opinion to see that by 2019 no one goes out to defecate in open.

AJ: Do you think one day every Indian house will have its own toilet?

Pathak: As the target set out by the prime minister to build toilet in all the houses by 2019, to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary, I hope by that year every house will have a toilet.

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Making Bharat Swachh since 4 decades The Sulabh Shauchalya man Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak - Snigdha Sinha

‘Swachh Bharat’ is recent.

‘Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are post Y2K. But there is a visionary, who started over 4 decades back. His resolve to uplift the lot of the scavenger (manual cleaners and carriers of human excreta) community, paved the way for the biggest sanitation wave in India and the world. Every Indian knows of Sulabh Shauchalaya, but not many know the story of the man behind the sanitation giant – Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. The man has over 46 awards, 8 fellowships, and 5 memberships, some of which include the Padma Bhushan (1991), Stockholm water prize (2009), International Saint Francis Prize, UNEP Global 500 Scroll of Honour Award, the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour, the list is endless.

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First brush with the issue of untouchability “When I was a boy, a lady used to come to my home to deliver bamboo objects. When the lady used to leave, my grandmother would sprinkle the entire house with holy water. I was curious about this lady. Many people used to come to our house, but my grandmother didn’t sprinkle water those times. I asked my grandmother and she said that the lady is untouchable and if I touch her, I would get polluted. My curiosity led me to touch the lady and I found no change in my body! My grandmother made a hue and cry and summoned the Pandit to come and tell the family of how we could overcome this crime. I was looked at as a criminal.” The Pandit came up with a solution.

“If you put cow dung in his mouth, cow urine to drink and make him bathe in the holy river (during winters), then he will be pure.” Young Dr. Pathak went through this ordeal and this was his first brush with the issue of untouchability in India.

I wanted to be a teacher “I came first in my second year and got scholarship as well. But I took up criminology as a subject in my third year and could not do well in that paper. As a result, my total score dropped and I missed out on the opportunity of being a lecturer, which was my ambition.”

He then became a school teacher in a high school. The salary was low. “It wasn’t even $2 a month”, says Dr. Pathak. He then moved onto a business related to medicines for a year. He decided to go back to studying but destiny had other plans. “I believe in God and Destiny. I was travelling to get admission in Sagar University in Madhya Pradesh by train. I got down at Hajipur (Bihar) to have tea, and two persons came to me and told me about this amazing job with benefits. I abandoned my train journey and went to the place. The man-in-charge got up and said – ‘who told you there is a permanent job? This committee is only for 3 years, of which only 2 years are left’” With the vacancy at Sagar university gone, Dr. Pathak stayed back in Hajipur and took up this job where he just translated from Hindi to English and vice versa, that too without a salary!

In 1967, Rajendra Lal Das, a Sarvodaya Member appealed to him to align himself with the issues that Mahatma Gandhi felt strongly about – the social issues the scavenger community is fraught with and the ways to liberate them. “In Sociology, we were taught that if we want to understand a community, we have to be a part of them.” He decided to live in a scavenger colony in Bettiah district of Bihar for three months. A Brahmin staying in an untouchable community was a crime in the 60s’.

3 months that changed everything “One day, I saw a newly-wed girl from the community, crying bitterly because her in-laws were forcing her to go to Bettiah town to clean toilets. I asked the mother in law – Why are you forcing her? The mother in law replied – What will she do anyway? If she sells vegetables, no one will buy from her.” Dr. Pathak says that this is one of the black spots in Indian history that if you have committed a crime, not a heinous one, you can be released from jail but Indian 81

society is such that if you’re born an untouchable, you will die an untouchable and suffer with scant chance of escape.

Another incident of a boy dying because people refused to help the untouchable scavenger boy, hit Dr. Pathak deeply. Dr. Pathak’s father-in-law did not agree with Dr. Pathak’s ways.

“He was a doctor, a rich man. I don’t want to see your face! Our culture is not such to reply to elders. But that day I said – Look, I have begun turning the pages of history of India and to fulfil the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi.”

“I then took a vow. I will fulfil the dream of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the beginning of the beginning of my whole journey”. He decided to liberate scavengers through low cost sanitation by inventing the twin pit pour flush model.

The Sulabh technology is very well explained in the manual by Sulabh International – “The Sulabh technology is a very simple device. It consists of two pits with sealed covers and a water seal. Both the pits are used alternately. After one pit fills, excreta is diverted into the second pit, keeping the first pit in a ‘rest period’ for 2 years, during which excreta converts to solid, odourless, pathogen-free manure. It can be dug out easily by the beneficiary and used as manure. This technology does not require manual cleaning of human excreta. This toilet was named Sulabh Shauchalaya, which could be adopted in different hydro-geological conditions with some precautions. The two-pit pour-flush toilet was successfully introduced in urban areas. It was found to be a safe and hygienic system for the disposal of human waste in the absence of sewers and septic tanks. Before his arrival on the scene nobody, including engineers, was ready to believe that this technology could work in urban areas.”

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Then to Now In 1973, he was given Rs. 500 to build two Sulabh Shauchalayas for demonstration in the compound of the Arrah Municipality, a small town of Bihar. Since then Sulabh Shauchalaya has converted about 1.3 million bucket toilets into Sulabh Shauchalayas throughout the country; and more than a million scavengers have been liberated with more than 640 towns made scavenging-free.

When I started in 1973, I was the only one, not just in India but the world.

And in Bihar, when I went to talk about toilets, the man I was speaking to said – let’s talk after tea. How can we talk about toilets while having tea!

This was the condition in Bihar that nobody wanted to talk about toilets.

“There was a meeting in the Bihar government, there were two officials, one the secretary of the department(now called urban development) and one was the administrator of Patna municipal corporation who was an engineer IAS who put his foot down because being an engineer himself, he had not learnt of the technology. He decided that the Sulabh Shauchalaya project will not take off till he continued as the administrator of Patna. The secretarial department came to Dr. Pathak’s rescue, and the official said – I don’t agree with your views, this is a new technology. We will allow this man to put up 200 toilets in Bihar, and if it works, it will change the history of India”. Sulabh replaced bucket toilets in Bihar. The people who earlier wanted a septic tank model, now began demanding the Sulabh Shauchalaya system. The pilot that started in 1973, gave way to one of the biggest waves in sanitation across the world. The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) even has a detailed report on the workings and success of the programme.

The 2002 summit in Johannesburg, the World Summit on Sustainable Development put down a goal of providing 2.6 billion toilets around the world by 2015 and to the entire population by 2025. Dr. Pathak comments, ... read more on social.yourstory.com

In the last 13 years, the number has only come down to 2.5. Why? Because they are still depending on the sewage system and they have not adopted Sulabh Shauchalaya technology so far. Africa, Asia and Latin America have to depend on Sulabh Shauchalaya technologies.

These three regions have no money and need optimization. Even the countries that have the money and are technologically advanced, Japan for example, use tankers to bring the waste to a factory to convert waste to fertilizer. Why have a septic tank, then clean the human excreta, then get it to the factory and covert to fertilizer?

Economic benefits Sulabh International Social Service Organization has gone ahead and done the math. They have drawn the economic burden comparison between the Sulabh two pit system and the 83

traditional septic tank. The numbers are for everyone to see. Water saved in one year by the Sulabh two pit system is 49056 million litres!

On caste, uplift and education Dr. Pathak believes that in India, untouchables require social acceptance. He aligned his work with the guidelines given by late Dr. Ambedkar to understand whether untouchability has been eradicated or not. “When everybody will go to a temple to worship, when everybody will take bath in the same pond, everyone will draw water from the same well, and everybody will dine together. I fulfilled all these in two towns one of which is Alwar (Rajasthan).”

Dr. Pathak stresses the fact that education is key to development for all spheres in society.

“Any society has grown only because of education. We started giving the workers English and Hindi lessons. Then we started giving books. They are now able to apply for jobs that helps them earn 10-15 thousand a month. The community has branched into other professions and is freeing themselves. ” A staunch believer of Gandhian views and of Ambedkar as well, Dr. Pathak says, “I have not changed the caste; it’s the same caste now, status has changed.

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Now they’re not called untouchables. They go with Brahmins and upper caste to dine and to sit together. This great change has happened in the country. This is very important. We have brought together both the concept of Gandhi and Ambedkar. We have brought a change in the society’s social structure.”

His Motivation His mother used to say – always serve humankind.

I feel happy. People ask me – how do you enjoy yourself? When I meet people, I feel very happy, I can see that I’m lucky to see that what I started off has brought change in my own lifetime. There is a sense of satisfaction.

Not a Businessman, not a Social Entrepreneur, but a Social Scientist “Business I don’t like. By chance, when I started off, I was told by an IAS officer to not take grants and charge money for implementation of the programme and whatever is saved, pay your mason. Business means, earn more and spend less. Social programmes mean earn more and spend more and save less.” Dr. Pathak laughs and insists that he isn’t a social entrepreneur, but a social scientist.

Entrepreneurship has come to me by accident. I’m not a business man.

I wanted to study social sciences and the society and its problems.

Despite a 275 crore social enterprise, Dr. Pathak is a humble man. He credits the change in the lives of untouchables in India to technological innovations in sanitation. His journey is one that will inspire many to look at social enterprise in a different light. Dr. Pathak is also proof that technology, innovation and impact go hand in hand.

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How one simple solution is already bringing better sanitation to an estimated 10 million people a day.

BBC HORIZONS has featured Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s invention of the Sulabh toilet technology as one of the five inventions of the world*

“Less than half of India’s population has access to an indoor toilet in fact more people in the country own a mobile phone. With very few public lavatories many people are forced to go in the open that has huge health consequences particularly for women and children.

Over the years there has been very little interest or investment in this sector but one man is using innovation to try and change that.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is an internationally recognized, sanitation pioneer and Founder of Sulabh International, the largest non-profit organisation in India.” *featured on the programme BBC Horizons on 27.10.2013/ 30.03.2014 Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/worldnews/horizons-human-waste.html Video link: http://www.bbc.com/specialfeatures/horizonsbusiness/episode/human-waste/...

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BBC World News Horizons explores why human waste is one of biggest public health issues facing world today

BBC Correspondent RajiniVaidyanathan visits New Delhi in India, to examine the twin pit toilet invented by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Sulabh Sanitation Movement. Already improving sanitation for an estimated 10 million people daily, the simple toilet uses two pits dug into the ground connected to a traditional squat lavatory.

This reduces water use and needs no chemicals to treat the waste.

Transcript of the programme

BBC HORIZONS telecast on 27.10.2013/ 30.03.2014

Sanitation and how we deal with human waste is a huge problem especially in many of the emerging economies which often have unplanned and sprawling cities. In Asia many countries don’t have waste water treatment centres and it is said that in India some children drop out of school because they don’t have access to clean, modern toilet facilities.

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In Delhi, Rajini Vaidyanathan has been finding out how one simple solution isalready bringing better sanitation to an estimated 10 million people a day.

Less than half of India’s population have access to an indoor toilet, in fact more people in the country own mobile phone.With very few public lavatories, many people are forced to go in the open that have huge health consequences particularly for women and children.

Over the years there been very little interest or investment in this sector but one man is using innovation to try and change that‌..

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is an internationally recognized, sanitation pioneer and Founder of Sulabh International, the largest non-profit organisation in India.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: So, what access to toilets like today?

Dr. Pathak: Even today 70% people in the rural areas have no access to safe and hygienic toilets. They go for defecation in the open and in urban areas still 23% people they don’thave these facilities.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: Whatsthe problems the people then are at risk at if they are going, you knowto the toilet in the open?

Dr. Pathak: It causes 50 diseases. Most important is cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, sometimes epidemics also, hookworms, roundworms.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: And thats becausefaecel matter in just left in the open and the sun.

To overcome the problem of providing sanitation in areas without access to a sewage system, Dr. Pathak invented a simple toilet using two pit dug it into the ground, connected to the traditional squat lavatory which reduces water use and needs no chemicals to treat it.

You do that to clean. So, comes down this pipe here, costing as little 15 dollars to build.

The twin pit system usesjust 1.5 litres of water per flush compared to the conventional flush toilet which uses around twelve. Now what happens next?

Dr. Pathak: Now here just see in the bottom Rajini Vaidyanathan: And explain this to me then Dr. Pathak: This is soil, there is no concrete RajiniVaidyanathan:So this is a soil bottom.

Dr. Pathak: Yes Rajini Vaidyanathan: So what about the holes around the wall. What are they for?

Dr. Pathak: The holes and the bottom, both have functions and they absorb water and the gases.

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Rajini Vaidyanathan: The pits are used alternately when one is full, the excreta is diverted into the second pit. Ok so basically the human faeces mixed with the water becomes part of the soil over time.

Dr. Pathak: Yes, it decomposes because the bacteria is in the soil.

RajiniVaidyanathan: Over the times the sludge is digested using already present anaerobic bacteria and creates almost dry pathogens free, safe manure which can be used as fertilizer.

How many have you have got these across India. How are they working now?

Dr. Pathak: We have installed about 1.3 million toilets like this.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: 1.3 million, that’s incredible.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: So the most places we would go to India we could see these.

Dr. Pathak: Yes, ofcourse RajiniVaidyanathan: Ok now we can go and have a look at that now.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: As well as installations funded by the Government. Sulabh’s built more than seven and a half thousand public toilet complexes which isfunded by charging users a small fee.

So Gaurav, this is one of the two pit toilets in action…….its in a temple.

Sulabh Representative: By chance this today has the time to get cleaned so you will be able to see there is no smell, there is no pathogens, bacteria is coming out.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: I am a bit nervous about things,whatsunderneath there? We got a gentlemen who is gonnacome and help us, have a look.Alright this is the moment of the truth.

Sulabh Representative: No, you come and stand close and smell it here. Don’t worry……

Now you can see, there is no smell inside it.

Rajini Vaidyanathan: Can I? fantastic Sulabh Representative: Yeah…yeah…….

Rajini Vaidyanathan: No, there is no smell, to be fair.

Sulabh Representative: The bacteria hasdied out. The pathogens have died out so there is no problem in touching them. Now the only thing what you do is that you pick it up, keep it outside into the Sun or may be in the open for one day and those people who are taking care of plants and you know growing the plants. They will come, they will take it.

Sulabh Representative: Probably this is finest manure you can get.

Sulabh Representative: No, the best manure, organic manure in the world.

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Rajini Vaidyanathan: Oh wow that is incredible science. Isn’t it?...

Rajini Vaidyanathan: It is very simple. You got human waste coming downthe toilet, sits here for a couple of years and becomes this.

Recent developments also allow the methane gases to be harvested during the digesting process and used as a fuel for lighting and cooking. It may be difficult for many people to comprehend but billions of people around the world still don’t have access to any form of sophisticated sanitation, but its cheap and simple solution which deal with human waste at source such as this two pit toilet which can really make a difference particularly in countries like here in India where there is little or no clean water and limited access to sewerage system. But the biggest challenge is the sheer scale of it.You need a lot more of these to really make a difference.

Simple sanitation technologies which don’t rely on expensive infrastructure offer huge potential for reducing disease in many parts of the world. Yet we just don’t need new technologies to improve this problem, we need a change of philosophy to stop thinking of sewage as something to be disposed of and seeing it as a natural resource laden with nutrients and energy that we can use to make money and actually solve some of the problems the world is facing.

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BBC World Programme: ‘BBC Impact’ Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and former untouchable scavenger, Mrs. Usha Chaumar was specially invited and interviewed on the BBC World News channel on 9th April, 2015. The programme known as BBC Impact was compered by the world famous television host and commentator Ms. Yalda Hakim. She referred to Dr. Pathak as ‘Mr. Sanitation’ for his efforts in bringing about a change in the sanitation scenario in India.

Visit on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMhpTWQ5rg

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When Bindeshwar was a young boy, his grandmother once made him eat cowdung to ‘purify’ himself, after contact with an untouchable. The same Brahmin boy grew up to lead a movement we know as ‘Sulabh’. A revolution in toilets and a rightful place in society, for those who once cleaned them.

I have many beautiful memories of summers spent in my ‘native place’.

But the one thing I’d rather forget is the toilet.

The toilet from hell.

It was a raised platform with a hole. No flush, no sanitation, no escape from that god-awful stench.

My aunt would say, “Put Vicks, you won’t smell anything”.

Fat chance of that!

For days, I would simply not use the toilet. But how long could one hold back?

Thoughts like these cross my mind on a beautiful February morning under a gorgeous blue sky. I am at the Sulabh Bindeshwar Pathak Sulabh International complex near Palam in New Delhi, home to the world’s only museum dedicated to toilets.

And to the one man who’s made it his mission to bring sanity to this country’s archaic systems - both social and sanitary.

Bindeshwar Pathak is a sprightly sixty-something. Dressed in khadikurta and white churidarpyjama, he looks like a village headmaster. And each morning, he plays that part, as he leads the ‘morning assembly’ at the Sulabhcampus.

I have a dream…

“Aao sab mil julke banaye in sulabh sukhad that one day all of God’s sansaaar…!” sings the Sulabh family. children will Over hot tea and pakoras. be able to join In his expansive air conditioned office. hands and With a lilting Bihari accent. sing… Free at Bindeshwar Pathak shares his story. last!Free at And it is simply amazing, it is breath taking, last! Thank God it is so honest, almost too-good-to-be-true.

Almighty, we As Bindeshwar himself would say, “Hai are free at last! kinai?”

Jee, hai to sahi. Aur agar hai to hamare desh mein aage ki peedhi ke liye hope hai.

Martin Luther King Jr, speaking on A single person can move mountains, 28th August, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, perform miracles. And that person could be Washington D.C. you…

CASTE AWAY

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Always clean up after yourself. You are responsible for the waste you produce and you should ensure that it’s disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.’ -BINDESHWAR PATHAK

Inventor

BINDESHWAR PATHAK This designer's low-cost toilet has helped the planet, improved sanitation for millions-and freed countless scavengers from a life of cleaning human waste

As the 6-year-old son in an upper-class Brahmin family, Bindeshwar Pathak wanted to know what would happen if he touched a scavenger, one of India’s “untouchables,“ stuck at the bottom of the country’s social order and fated to collect and dispose of human waste.

When he did, his grandmother punished him by forcing him to swallow cow dung and urine, and making him bathe in water from the Ganges.

“This issue has bothered me since,“ says Pathak, 66, who describes himself as a humanist and social reformer, “If they continue to clean human excreta, they will not be accepted into society,“ Discrimination against scavengers is only part of India’s sanitation issue. Today, despite India’s rollicking economic growth, some 110 million households remain without access to a toilet and 75% of the country’s surface water is contaminated by human and agricultural waste. More than half a million children die each year from preventable water-and sanitation-related diseases

such as diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis. Pathak, who lived with a colony of untouchables for three months in 1968—“If you want to work for a community,“ he says, “then you must build rapport within that community“—realized the only way to solve the problem was to develop a clean method of human waste disposal that would be cost-effective for the average Indian household and would, at the same time, rid the country of the practice of scavenging. He developed the technology for a new toilet and founded the nonprofit Sulabh Sanitation Movement to bring his creation to those who needed it the most.

Pathak’s twin-pit toilet, which costs a minimum of $15 to make, can be installed in any village, house or mud hut. While one pit is in use, the other is left covered.

Within two years, the waste in the covered pit will dry up,

Discrimination against scavengers is only part of India’s sanitation issue 94

ridding itself of pathogens, so that it’s suitable for use as fertilizer. The toilets use 0.4 gal. (1.5 L) of water per flush, as opposed to the 2.6 gal. (10 L) required by conventional toilets. They also eliminate the need for manual scavenging, so Pathak’s NGO—now called the Sulabh International Social Service Organization—also runs rehabilitation programs for out-of-work scavengers, teaching them the skills they need to find new jobs.

In 2013, Pathak set up a vocational center in Alwar, Rajasthan, where women are trained in tailoring, embroidery, food- processing and beauty treatments. Last year, some three dozen of the trainees were flown to New York City to participate in a fashion show held at the U.N. headquarters to mark the International Year of Sanitation.

More recently, Pathak has perfected an excreta based biogas plant that generates biogas to be used for heating, cooking and electricity.

He’s constructed 68 such plants in India. His toilets, the design of which he’s made available to NGOs around the country, are used by 10 million people daily, helping push the number of people in rural India with access to a toilet from 27% five years ago to 59% today. Pathak’s technology has also been used to construct over 5,500 public-toilet complexes in cities across south and central Asia, for people who are homeless or who have no sanitation in their houses. The word sulabh—which means simple in Hindi—has become synonymous with the public toilet.

Although the practice of manual scavenging became illegal in India in 1993, there are still 115,000 scavengers working in the country today.

But thanks to his innovation and his rehabilitation programs, Pathak estimates that India will be scavengerfree within five years. “If the government wanted, they could solve the problem in a single day,” he says. “But I’ll take the pessimistic view.”—

BY MRIDU KHULLAR/NEW DELHI

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Le Monde Magazine

The Guru of Toilets JP GĂŠnĂŠ, Special Correspondent in India

Half of Indians do not have W.C. or are satisfied with the latrines of another era which are emptied /cleaned everyday by women situated at the lowest rank of the society. Bindeshwar Pathak has decided to liberate them from this humiliating condition.

I

t was in the beginning of the last century when the sun never set in the empire of Her Very Gracious Majesty. A lady, who wanted to go to India, wrote to the master of the School enquiring about the conditions of stay/lodging and eventually about the presence of W.C. in the village that she wanted to visit. The recipient was greatly perplexed at this unknown abbreviation.

What could W.C. mean?

After a lot of reflection and debate with the local Pandit, the only lettered man in the village, he deduced that the lady wanted to know if there existed any Wayside Chapel, a chapel in the vicinity.

And the local master took his best pen to write back to her, “Dear Madam, I have great pleasure in informing you that the W.C. is at 9 kilometers from the house,

in the midst of a charming grove of pine, surrounded by green pasture. The W.C. can welcome 229 persons sitting and functions on every Sunday and Thursday.

I suggest you to go there early, specially during the months of summer when there is a big gathering.

One can pretty well stay standing but it will be very uncomfortable for you, specially if you go there often. Please know that

Well doer/good man, like Gandhi, to whom they pay homage, Bindeshwar Pathak, a Brahman went against the caste system for changing the fate reserved to cleaners of latrines

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June 11, 2011 The World Magazine

my daughter is married there as she met her would be spouse there (…….)

Please know also that many people take their lunch for passing the entire day there. Others prefer to come at the last moment. I would recommend/request Madam to come there on a Thursday, the day when you may have the choir also. The acoustics is excellent and the most delicate sounds can be appreciated from everywhere. Recently, a bell has been installed which tolls for every new entrant. A small bazar offers specially comfortable cushions well appreciated by people. It will be a pleasure for me to accompany you there personally and find you a good place for all night.

With profoundest regards, the Instructor/teacher.”

This story, whether true or legendary, perfectly illustrates the sanitary situation in India. Many of those who ignored W.C. ignore it even today, in a country which has more mobile phones than toilets: 545 millions as against 366 million for a population of about a thousand millions (source United Nations University Canada).

Whoever has travelled in this sub-continent has seen the line of people of all ages, sitting by the side of the road or rail lines since early

hours of day for relieving their need in open air. Their heads suddenly come up in the field of maize while adjusting their dhoti or kurta.

These morning walkers get a place on a floating bridge for defecating and washing themselves in the stream. 600 millions of Indians everyday do this.

More than 900 millions of litres of urine, 135 million of tones of faecal material are released everyday in nature, according to the experts. How to manage this volume, when hardly 200 out of 5000 townships have partial sewerage system, often dilapidated and ill maintained? This absence of sanitation and lack of public and private hygiene cause more than 450000 deaths every year (diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera) and cost a budget of more than 37 thousand millions of Euro to the nation, according to an estimate of the Programme “Water and Purifications”, of the World Bank, published in December 2010 (The Economic impacts of Inadequate Sanitation in India). One can accumulate the numbers for blackening the table. It is worse.

Lots of existing toilets are simple latrines, without flush or septic tank, which have to be cleaned manually every morning,

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of the “night-soil”. There are people for this. The Harijans, the Dalits, the Untouchables, one names them as one wants, are so low in the social rank that they are called ‘out caste’.

And, amongst them, the Bhangis, the sanitation men, are those who are born to clean and will marry someone who will clean up, and thus will clean all their life. Born as Bhangi, they die as Bhangi. They are also named in English as scavenger. According to 2001 census, more than 400000 people clean up the shit of others. The women in 90% of cases, even after a century, have to put on a bell around their neck to signify their arrival so that others can get away.

Equipped with a can and a broom, they leave their ‘designated’ part of the town to go around the latrines to transport the ‘content’ on their heads, out of the walls. Whether it rains or it is scorching sun, they have to do their “job” in exchange for a few rupees (calculated as per the number of persons in the house hold), often the remains of the food of previous evening, and always the despise of others.

The Aims of a Life “One who is condemned for a crime comes out of

A job of women, India would count about 400000 scavengers responsible for cleaning latrines. 90% are women, men of the caste being mostly responsible for carrying garbage or cleaning roads/ streets

prison after the term in jail is complete. Those who are locked in a social prison never come out.” The diagnostics of sociologist Bindeshwar Pathak is implacable. Today 68, clad in traditional Kurta, he decided 40 years ago to put an end to this situation.

According to him, Indians have to stop going in open air for their needs and the scavenger women have to be liberated of their slavery and have to be brought out of untouchability conditions.

It would be the aim of his life.

Born in a family of Brahmans, in Rampur

Baghel, a small village in Bihar in eastern part of India, Bindeshwar was brought up with strong respect for castes. “My paternal grandfather was an astrologer, my father an Ayurvedic doctor and my grand mother very orthodox. We did not disobey her”. Very young, he learnt from her that he should not touch nor meet some people with whom she behaved unpleasantly when they came towards the family household: “They are untouchables” Obviously the young boy had a desire to touch them “to see if they were any different from others”.

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The extreme anger of his grand-mother might be known to entire vicinity, she would inform the priest who would force the boy to dip in the Ganga water and to gulp down the urine and cow dung (considered sacred) for purification.

He was ten years old and would never forget how at 4 A.M. in the morning all women of the house surreptitiously slipped out of the house for “responding to the needs of nature” in the nearby fields while profiting of the darkness for escaping other’s eyes.

Only the richest land holder of the village had a latrine June 11, 2011 The World Magazine

and each day, while going to school, Bindeshwar came across the women who cleaned up the latrine and carried the excreta on their head. “I observed but I was not conscious of the problem”.

He confronted the problem just by chance, in 1968, while taking tea on the platform of Hajipur (Bihar).

Two elderly people, close to his maternal grandfather who had accompanied Gandhi on his tours, accosted and persuaded him to join the Bihar Gandhi Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, its sessions were going to take place in Patna on the occasion of the birth centenary of Mahatma (1869-1948). By this time, Bindeshwar had of course read the biography of Gandhi but he was hardly familiar with his ideas.

He was going to discover these in the committee, where he was attached to the section responsible for rehabilitation of scavengers and for eradication of the status of untouchability.

Since 1901, the young Gandhi, still unknown, had stupefied the members of Congress Party in Calcutta by taking a can and a broom for cleaning the toilet and for denouncing the undignified life and conditions of the scavengers. In his Sabarmati Ashram, founded

in 1917, he had made the rule that everyone cleans up one’s own toilet. During his entire life, the problem of hygiene and the fate of Bhangis haunted Mahatma, who made a vow “Perhaps I will never be reborn, but if it happens, I would like to be born in the family of Bhangis and be able to liberate them from this inhuman, insane and hassling practice of carrying excreta on their head”. It occurred to Bindeshwar Pathak to execute this vow. “I did not know about the problem, had no competence nor any qualification as an engineer and moreover I was a Brahman”. He opens up to his superior who replies: “It does not matter; I have seen the light on your face and I am sure you will be the best for this task”.

And Bindeshwar begins the job by the most radical Shame. A broom and a can, carrying on head, symbol of misfortune of scavengers

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manner. He went to live with Bhangis for three months. The first day he discovers that they don’t clean up their toilets which are in repulsive/repugnant dirty state. He did it himself before the astounded eyes of his room mates. “My first action was to convince them to do for themselves what they do for others.”

He familiarized himself with their style of living, the drinks, the games, the obligations to the newly wed to obey the motherin-law and to go with her to clean the toilet. And a commotion in his family, for a son who is a traitor to his caste by going along with the untouchables. Rejected by the Brahman community which disallowed him to sit by his side. His father-inlaw cries for the humiliation to his daughter; Bindeshwar had just married in an arranged marriage. He did not submit and pursued his mission. More as a duty than as sacrifice. Till the day a boy got himself hurt by a buffalo’s horns in the street. People came to his help but suddenly, a voice raised, “This is an untouchable”. “Everyone went aside, leaving the body”, he remembers. “I took him to hospital alone but he was dead by the time we arrived”. This was at Bettiah, a town of the

Progress. This sanitary complex with bath, toilets and cloakrooms, situated at Shirdi (Maharashtra) where lived in 19th century a famous guru and since then a place for pilgrimage, was constructed by Sulabh NGO

district of West Champaran (Bihar), the place where the young Gandhi had initiated Satyagraha – the non-violent civil disobedience – against the planters of Indigo. A sign for Bindeshwar. That day, he makes a sermon of realizing the wish of Mahatma and tells this to his near-ones, “You have still seen nothing.

Hence forward, I will do nothing but this: eradicate untouchability and take out scavengers from their conditions”.

A Salutary Invention To achieve this, he understood very fast that there was only one effective means: create an alternative to the latrines, simple and cheap, which

render the job of scavenger useless. He then drowned himself to specialized works and soon arrived at the conclusion that out of all the invented systems, “that with the double pit appears to be the most practical and most suitable at the global level”. The “twin-pit pourflush compost toilet” was born. The principle was simple: the WC in Turkish style, a pan of sharp slope, and a special siphon with hydraulic joint which does not require more than 1.5 to 2 litres of water for being cleaned. The WC is linked to two separate pits used alternatively. As soon as one is full, we leave it to dry up allowing it to become compost and the other 100

is used. Their volume is calculated with respect to the number of users and in 2-3 years one pit is filled up. Scavengers are no more required. Those days a “twin-pit system” cost only 10 U.S. dollars.

We are in 1970. Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee had stopped its activities and Bindeshwar found himself alone with his invention. The members of the committee suggested him to found an NGO. This was done on 5 March 1970 with the birth of Sulabh (Sulabh International Social Service Organisation). On the demand of local officials, he equips the municipal building and the platform at Arrah – at 50 kms from June 11, 2011 The World Magazine

Double Pit in place of unhealthy toilets. Sulabh NGO is trying to popularize this type of simple and cheap toilets which consume less water

Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Inspite of the welcome by people, Bindeshwar gets little response: “An NGO or a government cannot realize alone the social programmes; each one on his side, they have to work together”.

To arrive at this, there was a need “of a letter which can lift mountains” addressed to the government of Bihar and signed by a magical surname Gandhi and name Indira. In this missive, the lady in power at Delhi expresses surprise at nonapplication of the “fourth clause of the plan aiming at eliminating the odious practice of carrying the fecal material on head” and asks the government of the state to “pay special attention to the problem”. The voice

was now open. Bindeshwar, now with the support of the administration constructs the public toilets all over Bihar and to the individuals who received special grants for getting their latrines changed. He took up special bet on paid WC (today it costs one rupee, half of two centimes of a euro). Many people rallied against this “toll” which was incompatible to their local mentality. But they were wrong because Sulabh in exchange engaged in maintaining the place clean, the staff kept the place guarded. The day the first WC was opened at Patna, more than 500 persons used it and paid.

“This was the beginning of all”. The towns and then the neighboring states get 101

interested. Now the U.N., with the World Health Organisation, recognized the validity of the system.

The Sulabh NGO has today made more than 1.2 million of private toilets, more than 7500 public sanitation centres, at hundreds of places, out of which many have bath facilities and cloak facilities, and are also situated at pilgrim centres.

They are in 1250 towns, in all states of the country, and more than 10 million Indians use the facilities everyday. In matter of sanitation programmes in poor countries, Sulabh is hence forward a reference.

And the Bhangis? The NGO claims 640 towns “free of scavengers” and more than 120,000 untouchables came out of their condition.

Alwar, in Rajasthan, with 300000 population is one of the “liberated” cities.

Thanks to the installation of a training center Nai Disha – where various workshops (sewing, cutting, embroidery, body-care, making of cakes/ biscuits, pasta/ noodles) occupied 160 women during our visit.

Here, everything started in 2002 when Bindeshwar Pathak while passing through Alwar with a team of B.B.C, shouted at a group of women scavengers, “Why do you do this work?” They reply, “because we don’t

know to do anything else”.

“And if I propose you to do something else, will you accept it?” Usha Chaumar, an earlier scavenger, remembers, “I had remarked – do you know someone who wants to do this job?” The same evening, many dozens of them came at Hazuri gate, the area of the untouchables, around Bindeshwar Pathak who came to explain his project, “create a centre for teaching them another job and to definitely take them out of latrines. They listened, gently nodding their head.

Sceptical. He was not the first social worker to visit them. They know that words are rarely followed by action and the elderly are there to kill the dreams of the young.

“No one touches you. Who will teach you?”

The sentence in English is terrible, “No one touches you, who will teach you?” This was the general sentiment in the community. And now for Bindeshwar to convince them of their sincerity. “Have you ever been to Delhi?” He asked them. Obviously, no one had visited the capital.

And he invites them with husband and children.

Another Life The Sulabh NGO was henceforward well established in its Palam Campus, not far from the airport of Delhi. Classes

of English in school for untouchables’ children mixed with other castes, workshop of stitching, hair cutting, cabinetmaking (wood-work), work of mechanic, initiation to computers…... hundreds of children and apprentices.

When the women of Alwar arrive, they touch them, they greet them, they talk to them as one talks to ‘normal’ people. And, to prove that they are normal, Bindeshwar invites them to the restaurant of Maurya Sheraton, a 5-Star hotel. Big effect on the invitees who are “full of confidence and joy”.

They recounted all this faithfully at Hazuri gate, where they had to take up their work full of ingratitude.

They had to wait for one year before the opening of the centre of Nai Disha, and even then they did not come.

To the eyes of the elderly, for whom nothing was possible, a big uncertainty continued: if they don’t clean any more latrines, how will they earn their livelihood. Bindeshwar promised a scholarship of Rs. 1500/- per month (the scavengers did not earn more than Rs. 300 to 400 per month) to all those who join Nai Disha, but still no one came. They are less than thirty to get registered.

“The first day, I went to do my work before coming to the

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centre”, remembers Usha. As soon as the first pay arrived, everything changed. “I put the money in a small box in the house and I showed them to other women”. This was the proof that this man was true to his words and then the volunteers came.

And those who had lost their scavengers, some came to the area of untouchables to ask them to take up their jobs. The scavenger women did not give up, forgetting their cans and brooms, the instrument of their misfortune. Another life started for them, liberated from the constraints of their caste.

To make it known in a spectacular way, Sulabh organized in July 2008 an event well reported by Press: a fashion parade by ex-scavengers in company of Indian models

Pride. Ex-scavenger, Usha Chaumar (in blue) was invited at U.N.O. at New York

in headquarters of United Nations at New York. Some thirty of them boarded aeroplane for the first time, they posed at the feet of the Statue of Liberty and put on Saris designed by a big fashion designer of Delhi. Neetu was there. At her home, at Hazuri gate, she is not tired of telling about her travel before her neighbours and her husband, wisely sitting on a canape, hands crossed on knees, intimidated before this assembly of women.

“We walked with models wearing the dresses that we have ourselves stitched. We were doing honour to India”.

From these women people turned away earlier and now they are looked at with envy; while one meets her man on the street, one murmurs, “This is the husband of the woman who went to New York!”

We met Dolly at Tonk, another town “free of scavengers”, two hours away from Jaipur in Rajasthan.

She started this work at 13 with her mother and sister.

She is now 21. She is jolly, live with sparkling eyes, wearing her red sari with a natural elegance and replying tac to tac to her interlocutors.

She cleaned latrines in the morning, and went to school in the afternoon.

Dolly wanted to learn and in 2008, she rejoined Sulabh after having successfully convinced her grandmother.

The Flame of Gandhi There years later, she is one of the first to be emancipated gradually from the centre of learning to lead her boat. She left for a few hours the marriage of her sister, for driving us to her new friend, Beena, to whom she teaches the art of hemming and crossstitching. The young women offer us tea in the bedroom of Beena, the room of an ordinary girl, with posters on the wall, and the softtoys on the quilt. A scene unimaginable three years ago: Dolly cleaned up the latrine of Beena and could have never entered into the intimate parts of the house.

Today she gives her the lesson of stitching. A Bhangi friend with a Rajput, who tells her about her marriage in front of us. She does not know the ‘lucky boy’ – of the same caste – chosen by her parents, but she will have the right to refuse. Dolly congratulates her. “You who have broken the caste by coming out of latrines, are you going to marry in the same caste?” “Absolutely” the reply is instantaneous.

Marriage is not her present concern – she prefers a

scholarship and pursuing her studies but, in no case, does she think of marriage out of her caste. Dolly puts it all on her parents, “They know better than us”. On the other hand, she would demand from her future husband, “an engagement written and signed” according to which neither she nor her children will ever be scavengers or even cleaners. No question of cleaning for others whoever it may be. “Never” in a flat tone without any appeal/request.

If Usha, Neetu, Dolly and dozens of thousands of other untouchable women could breach the law of their caste, thanks to the one whom they call “bapu”, Bindeshwar Pathak, their second father, who believed in the precepts of another “bapu”, the Mahatma Gandhi, and applied them.

In this country, launched in the society of consummation where body and soul are lost, the journey and work of this man of goodness, known and appreciated all over the world shows that the flame of Gandhi is still alive. In India, a Brahman can still change the life of the poor with few things: with the simple water closets.

Note: *This is the english translation of the original article which was published in Fench.

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Flush of genius SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR’S REVOLUTIONARY TOILET MOVEMENT CHARTS A NEW COURSE IN THE HISTORY OF SANITATION IN INDIA

By KRISHNA KUMAR VR in New Delhi For China Daily Asia Weekly

W

hile the world revels in high-tech gadgets and superfluous devices, this softly-spoken 70-yearold Indian sociologist is always looking for a means to provide for one basic human need — by constructing low-cost toilets. More than four decades of work has made him the harbinger of a social change, affecting the lives and attitudes of millions in society.

“The toilet is a tool of social change,” believes Bindeshwar Pathak. The United Nations (UN) estimates that 6 billion of the world’s 7 billion people have mobile phones, but 2.5 billion people are still without sanitation, and around 1.1 billion practice open defecation. More than half of the 2.5 billion people without sanitation live in India or China.

In India, where less than 31 percent of the population has access to sanitation facilities, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, a non-profit body founded in 1970 by Pathak, has so far constructed 1.2 million household toilets and 8,000 public toilets. It maintains the public toilets, with the help of 60,000 associate members, on a pay-and-use basis, without putting a burden on the government exchequer.

“We are also providing basic healthcare facilities for the poor at these public toilets,” he says.

Sulabh, literally meaning easy, a $4.8 billion social enterprise, has expanded its network internationally. It has branches operating in Bhutan and Afghanistan.

Besides, many countries like Nepal, Indonesia, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda and Burkina Faso have sought guidance, consultancy and services from the organization.

“We are planning to adopt five villages in China where we can demonstrate the eco-friendly and cheaper toilet technology developed by us,” says Pathak. “China, which is also facing similar problems like that of India, could adopt the eco-friendly twin-pit composting toilet with on-site human waste disposal system developed by us.”

This maintenance-free low-cost toilet is simple to construct. And the Sulabh effluent treatment (SET) system, perfected

by Pathak, has the added advantage of being a source of renewable energy.

“In China, biogas development is a national priority, so our effluent treatment system is a perfect low-cost solution for the country,” says Pathak. China aims to make its economic development model greener, an important part of its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

Born in 1943 into an upper-caste family in Bihar, one of the less developed provinces of northern India, Pathak’s life so far has been an interesting story of chances and coincidences. Pathak never planned to become a social entrepreneur, he just wanted to lead a decent life, and tried his hand at everything that came his way.

“I just respond to a situation,” he says.

“Rather intelligently and scientifically.”

At the age of 23, he missed attaining a first class bachelor’s degree by a whisker, which could have landed him a job as a lecturer in a college. He later worked as a temporary clerk and even tried his luck as a street salesman, selling his father’s traditional medicines. But after months of toil, Pathak realized the profession lacked prestige and respect. “So, I decided to pursue a master’s degree,” he recounts.

In fact, it was a midway-abandoned train journey in the late 1960s to the University of Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, the central province of India, to begin a master’s in criminology that completely changed his life.

He dropped his higher education plans due to a chance meeting with a relative at a railway station, who promised him a job that never existed at the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebrations Committee. For months, he worked as unpaid translator there. But later, lady luck smiled on him as he was inducted into the committee to help design the celebration for the centenary of the birth of the legendary leader Mahatma Gandhi, which was due in 1969.

This proved to be a turning point in

BIO

BINDESHWAR PATHAK Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation CAREER MILESTONES: 2005: Founds Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation 2002: Develops SET Technology, which makes biogas plant effluents free from color, odor and pathogens 1970: Establishes the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation

young Pathak’s life. The committee was formed with the objective of restoring human dignity among the lowest class of people called ‘Bhangis’ — the untouchables who collected night soil. His job was to explore alternative scavenging systems and, more daunting, to find a way to bring these scavengers into mainstream society.

“Strangely, when I was just 6 years old I was punished by my grandmother for touching a scavenger woman,” Pathak recalls. “The upper classes considered it a sin then to touch the lower-class people.”

The decisive shift in his life came in 1967 when a committee member, Rajendra Lal Das, convinced him to fulfill one of Mahatma Gandhi’s concerns and look for ways to deliver the liberation of scavengers.

He went to live in a slum of scavengers for three months, as he wanted to experience their lives closely. At that time, it was an unthinkable move for an upper-class person. Those three months, however, changed Pathak’s life and the lives of millions of others in subsequent years.

In those days the Western-style flush toilet and centralized water-borne sewage system were not affordable for everyone.

Pathak therefore developed a new twin-pit toilet. But he had to wait a long time for the first opportunity to prove his simple solution for sanitation. In fact, no government organization was willing to try out his plan.

It was only after a chance meeting with a municipal officer who sanctioned him Rs500 (today worth $8.40) to build two public toilets that Pathak, finally, built his maintenance-free toilets for the public.

The success of this model created a huge behavioral change when people began to pay for the use of public toilets. It brought in a cultural shift, too, when people started socially accepting those who once were destined just for cleaning toilets.

His success also helped him eliminate the practice of manual scavenging. The noted Anglo-Indian writer Mulk Raj Anand

AWARDS: 2013: Legend of Planet award from the French Government 2009: Stockholm Water Prize by the Stockholm International Water Institute 2008: Hall of Fame Award by World Toilet Organization at the World Toilet Summit 2000: Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment 1991: Padma Bhushan (Third highest civilian award in India)

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QUICK TAKES: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Mahatma Gandhi What is the mission of your organization?

Sulabh is based on compassion and for development of fellow men. It seeks to develop an egalitarian society, based on equal opportunity for every human being irrespective of their caste, race and natural endowments.

What changes does your industry need?

We need more social entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial

once said: “What Abraham Lincoln did for blacks in America, Pathak has done for scavengers in India. Both are great redeemers.”

Pathak has not patented his two-pit toilet technology, which has been adopted across the country and in many parts of the Southeast Asia by various local bodies.

“Let the world use my technology,” he says. Sulabh is envisioned as an agent of social and cultural change. Inspired by the Gandhian philosophy of truthfulness, non-violence, and altruism, he believes in the principle of trusteeship.

“Money alone cannot give satisfaction,” he affirms.

Sulabh has also launched rehabilitation programs for out-of-work scavengers, teaching them the skills they need to find new jobs. There are vocational centers where women are trained in tailoring, embroidery and beauty treatments. Even a school was set up in Delhi for the children of this community.

“This will also enable them to be selfemployed or get jobs,” Pathak explains. “It is not about just toilets, I am trying to build a different society.”

Pathak has also established an academy, the Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation.

Meanwhile, his International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi, the first of its kind in the world, tells the story of the development of toilets through the ages.

A recipient of global acclaim and numerous awards, Pathak remains unmoved by popularity and is a hardworking humanist to the core.

“I had never thought that toilets would make me so world-famous,” he smiles.

“I have only one life, so I have only one mission,” he sums up.

talent is missing in the field and, mostly, managers and entrepreneurs are unaware of the opportunities.

Why did you establish the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets?

The museum is to highlight and acknowledge the efforts made by our predecessors in this field throughout the world.

Date of Birth: April 2, 1943

The Hon’ble President, Republic of India,

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil blesses erstwhile untouchable scavengers of India

The Hon’ble President, Republic of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, seen addressing the liberated and rehabilitated women scavengers of Alwar at Rashtrapati Bhawan on July 25, 2008.

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The Hon’ble President, Republic of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil crowned and blessed erstwhile untouchable scavenger Smt. Usha Chaumar, on becoming the President of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on July 25, 2008.

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Translated from Hindi. On July 25, 2008 the hon’ble President’s address at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Govt. of India, to the erstwhile women scavengers, undergoing vocational training, at Nai Disha, Alwar, Rajsthan, which is organized by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation

Gandhiji’s Eyes Would Be Brimming with Tears of Joy My Sisters and Brothers working in Sulabh!

Once again I am very happy to be amongst all the sisters working with Sulabh and it is for the second time that I am welcoming you at Rashtrapati Bhawan. I am very glad to know that this group of liberated women scavengers from Nai Disha, sent to the United Nations through the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, on the invitation of UN-ECOSOC put up ‘Mission Sanitation’ - a cultural programme there and our sister Usha Chaumar was crowned. This crown is not for you only but for all the sisters. It is a crown for the country and a crown for Mahatma Gandhi.

I have been informed that the programme was seen by many people and they appreciated it. After returning from New York all of you went to Rajghat – the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, where you took a vow and promised to inspire everybody to remove social evils such as untouchability. You deserve to be congratulated for this.

You all know that Mahatma Gandhi had very deep affection for our “untouchable” brothers and sisters. Removing untouchability was one of his important missions and I am very happy that you have removed this blot today.

He had once said that untouchability is the biggest curse for the people of our country. I am very happy that you have today removed it. Gandhiji had said: “I want that the mission for the removal of untouchability and its root and branch for which I am living, will give me happiness, when it is non existent”. He always inspired the people. He himself not only visited but also lived in such colonies and met people.

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You know untouchability is an evil that spreads inequality in society, creating disturbances and where there is lack of peace there is no happiness and there can be no social justice. You have established social justice. My country has other social evils like child marriage, dowry, drinking and the abuse of drugs. We will have to get rid of these also.

I do not know whether you said this here or not but I understand that you, my sisters, must have undergone these same circumstances, especially after your return from work when your husband took the money that you had earned forcibly for drinking. I understand it does not exist anymore. You have got a new awakening, a new inspiration for that I want to congratulate you immensely.

India needs social workers who work like this and when people see here and understand your work, I feel that our society will be built on the basis of such visionary social workers.

We need such workers. Under the leadership of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Sulabh has made a major contribution in the field of sanitation and social reform. Under the National Total Sanitation Campaign the facilities provided by Sulabh are used by more than one crore people daily, who benefit from it. And through the capacity building and construction of Sulabh toilets, more than one lakh people have been relieved from the social evil of scavenging and have been able to find alternative employment.

This organization is working continuously to fulfill the U.N. Millennium Development Goal on water and sanitation by 2015. I wish you success and I wish to congratulate you for this.

A vocational training centre in Alwar,

Rajasthan aims to provide respectable lives to women. One can get money, but it does not necessarily mean that one can earn respect as well. You have been provided with that respect which has raised your self-confidence. As you said the people in society give you respect and interact with you, sit with you, honour you and that is a big thing. It is a new life for you and you have learnt to live with pride. I am happy to know that different eatables, which you prepare, have great demand in society. You have now formed self-help groups and banks have come forward and are happy to advance you loans. I am happy to see that you are being honoured every where. You have written your fate yourself. It is a very big thing.

This is the International Year of Sanitation.

The cleanliness drive by these women who have been in the forefront and active in eliminating social evils, has made Alwar a model. They have taken a vow to be self-reliant. I understand that the Alwar Model is being talked about everywhere and it will be accepted as an ideal.

The reason is that you have presented a ray of hope to the people. Through it everybody is inspired to live a respectful life like you. For this they can move forward.

You visited New York and narrated your experiences which were interesting. Perhaps you have never gone out before from your village or the city. Bindeshwar Pathak took you to New York and that too the biggest Council of the United Nations by whom you were invited and crowned. I understand there can be no bigger honour than this.

I congratulate you for what you have achieved, which you richly deserve, for which there is no comparison. You have done such a great job and I would like to tell you that Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak has brought about a revolution, a very big revolution. Financial revolution can come about and can be brought about, but to bring a revolution in the mind-set of people is a very big achievement, a very difficult job which Dr. Pathak has brought about. He increased your self-respect, your self-confidence and not only 108

your own self-confidence but also showed to society what you are worth and what you can do. He has shown an example of this. And I wish that what he has shown everyone sees.

The whole country looks at it and every village looks at it and tries to do what he has done.

You asked for help from the Government. The Government can help in monetary terms but where is the making of people like Bindeshwar ji! All work cannot be done with money. For this, the need is of persons like Bindeshwar ji who are required. I want every village of the country to produce such Bindeshwar Pathak and to take his work to reach there and every city .

I am happy that Bindeshwar Pathak has created a Usha Chaumar. What a big thing it is I am very happy – very very happy. I want that such Usha Chaumar goes to every village and works there. Then only the dream which Mahatma Gandhi saw can be fulfilled.

If Mahatma Gandhi was watching today’s function from Heaven, his eyes would be brimming with tears of joy. I do not think any other programme in the country would give so much happiness to Mahatma Gandhi as this one.

It includes a number of things, respect of women and removal of untouchability.

We have to wipe out this dark spot. We have to become self reliant. It is an awakening of women power. It is the making of a new history. I am happy that self-respect and selfconfidence have cropped up within you. In our country a new history has been created. I want to congratulate you. Move forward and keep moving forward and may this work be done by your hands. May God bless you! I give you my good wishes. I give you my good wishes in all the work that you do. Whatever can be done from here, will be done with full vigour.

Once again, I congratulate you for your achievements and success. I appreciate you and praise you.

Many many thanks.

Pride and dignity restored - The Hon’ble President being greeted with smiles and flowers by the erstwhile untouchable scavengers.

The liberated and rehabilitated women scavengers of Alwar taking the blessings of the Hon’ble President before leaving for New York in June 2008 to participate in a Conference and Cultural Show in the United Nations at New York.

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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak along with liberated and rehabilitated erstwhile women scavengers of Alwar paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, at his samadhi, Rajghat, in New Delhi on July 15, 2008.

The liberated women scavengers from Alwar, India showing the sign ‘V’ for Victory and triumph, in front of the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA to show their liberation from the sub-human, demeaning and humiliating profession of cleaning dry privies and physically carrying human excreta (nightsoil) of others, to eke out a living for their families.

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Happiness untold - The Hon’ble President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil greeting and welcoming in Rashtrapati Bhawan on July 25, 2008, the group of erstwhile women scavengers, who were doing the work of scavenging till March 2003 and were liberated and rehabilitated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, seen apprising Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Hon’ble President, Republic of India about the participation of the erstwhile untouchable scavengers of Alwar in the Conference on ‘Sanitation and Sustainable Development’ in Trusteeship Council and the ‘Mission Sanitation’ - a Cultural show for a cause in the United Nations on July 2, 2008.

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Smt. Usha Chaumar, seen addressing the gathering in the august presence of the Hon’ble President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

The hon’ble President appreciated the speech of Mrs. Usha Chaumar and said “You have got a new awakening, a new inspiration for that I want to congratulate you immensely.”

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Mrs. Usha Chaumar seen handing over a Memorandum on behalf of the liberated and rehabilitated scavengers of Alwar who are now trainees of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation’s Nai Disha Centre, Alwar to the Hon’ble President, Republic of India. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, is seen looking on.

The erstwhile women scavengers interact with the Hon’ble President, Republic of India on an individual basis. She gives them a patient hearing, answers them and tells them that if the Mahatma was watching that day’s function from Heaven his eyes would be brimming with tears of joy.

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The Hon’ble President praises Mrs. Laxmi Nanda for her poem, blesses her and gives her a token of appreciation.

A poem, ‘Patan Se Uthan Ki Ore’, by Mrs. Laxmi Nanda, an erstwhile scavenger of Alwar, is being presented by her to the Hon’ble President, Republic of India.

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The Hon’ble President, Republic of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, a deep humanist who cares for the downtrodden, met Mrs. Usha Chaumar and her colleagues at Rashtrapati Bhawan on July 25, 2008 on their return from New York where they were honoured by the UNO. The President wished them a happy and prosperous new life, after being freed from the age-old social prejudices.

The Hon’ble President, Republic of India, with Dr. and Mrs. Bindeshwar Pathak, Smt. Usha Chaumar and senior members of the Sulabh family. In her address she said, “India needs social workers who work like this and when people see here and understand your work, I feel that our society will be built on the basis of such visionary social workers. Under the leadership of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh has made a mojor contribution in the field of sanitation and social reform.”

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In 1991, Dr. Pathak was awarded Padma Bhushan by the President of India, Mr. R. Venkataraman, for his distinguished social service.

Hon’ble Mrs. Anna K. Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-Habitat presenting the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour 2003 Award to Dr. Pathak.

AWARDS AND conferred on Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak receiving the international Saint Francis Prize for the Environment “Canticle of All Creatures” in 1992.

Vice President of the French Senate Ms Chantal Jourdan decorated Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak with the Legend of Planet honour in an exceptional private reception hosted by the President of France.

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Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak received the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize on August 20 from the Hands of H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden.

His Holiness Pope John Paul-II gave audience to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak before awarding him with International Saint Francis Prize.

honours dr. pathak

The Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak receiving the UNEP Global 500 Scroll of Honour from Hon’ble Mr. Fares Bouez, Lebanon’s Minister of Environment. Executive Director of UNEP Hon’ble Mr. Kluas Topfer (on the right) was also present on the occasion.

Dr. Pathak has conferred upon many awards but some of the awards are listed below:1984 : K.P. Goenka Memorial Award 1991 : Padma Bhushan 1992 : The International Saint Francis Prize for the Environment “Canticle of All Creatures” at Assisi, Italy 1996 : Global Urban Best Practice by United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS) at Istanbul 2000 : Dubai International Award for ‘Best Practices for Improving the Living Environment’ by UNCHS at Dubai 2003 : Scroll of Honour by UN-Habitat at Rio-de-Janeiro (Brazil) 2003 : Global 500 Roll of Honour Award by UNEP at Beirut (Lebanon) 2008 : Hall of Fame Award by World Toilet Organisation at World Toilet Summit, Macau, China 2008 National Energy Globe Award, by Energy Globe at Brussels, Belgium 2009 : 2009 Stockholm Water Prize, Sweden 2009 : Inter-governmental Renewable Energy Organisation Award (IREO), USA at New York, USA 2013 : LEGENDE DE LA PLANETE Congres Fondateur Jeux Ecologiques at 117 UNESCO, Paris

Life Changing Incident Arrah, Bihar

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Dr. Pathak taking out human excreta from the bucket toilet in Arrah town to experience first hand the plight of manual scavengers

Dr. Pathak along with the manual scavengers disposing the human excreta which they carried on their heads

Many years ago, Dr. Pathak was informed that in Arrah, a well-known town in the state of Bihar, “many untouchables are still removing human excreta and cleaning toilets manually.� Losing no time, he flew from Delhi to meet the scavenging untouchables. He stayed with them in Arrah for two days.

In the morning, when the untouchables were going to clean the toilets, Dr. Pathak, a cudgel in hand, was also ready to go with them. Taken aback, they tried to dissuade him. But Dr. Pathak insisted on going with them. Despite their protestations, he also cleaned and removed human

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Dr. Pathak along with the manual scavengers carrying human excreta on their heads for disposal after manually removing the same from the bucket toilets

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excreta from the pit toilets, put them in a ramshackle tin as the untouchables did, carried it on his head and set on foot towards a corner area of the town for disposal of the excreta.

This incident had an electrifying impact on the town. When asked about the experience, Dr. Pathak said, “Yes, the stench was overpowering and I felt nauseas, but my commitment overshadowed the physical discomfort.”

Saying this, he was overwhelmed and there were tears in his eyes. Struggling to control his emotions, he added, “While I was removing the excreta I was overwhelmed by the plight of the untouchables who do this nauseating work day after day without flinching, without hesitation, just to earn a pittance. It is a shame on us and on society!”

This incident strengthened his determination to continue his struggle to ensure that the scavenging untouchables are liberated and rehabilitated to earn a decent living, as Mahatma Gandhi wanted.

Dr. Pathak taking out human excreta from the bucket toilet in Arrah town to experience first hand the plight of manual scavengers

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Ludhiana:

Achieving Sanitation Milestone...

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ver 600 million people in India defecate out in the open posing serious health, security and environment threat. This, however, is about to change as sanitation experts and businesses join hands in their efforts to provide toilets in every house.

Ludhiana district, in northern Indian state of Punjab, is one such example, Paramjit Kaur, 27, a mother of three children, just had a toilet built in her house and describes it as the most “exquisite” gift.

With a monthly income of 6000 rupees ($90), the family had no means to build a modern toilet. Her family dwells in a tiny cluster with four other families also with no toilets: the semi-concrete houses adjoin a dusty motorway with fast moving lorries and cars.

Paramjit narrates how her life changed drastically when a toilet was “gifted” to her. “I had to walk almost 2 kilometers taking three little children with bottles of water, just before the day-break

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This took a toll on the family’s health. “My children would fall sick with diarrhoea, cholera, fever, stomach infection or cold.

We had high medical expenses almost every month.

crossing the highway far into the fields for relieving, so that no one could notice us.”

She says it was nightmarish and humiliating exercise as the owners of the nearby paddy farmlands would threaten and abuse us if we were caught defecating in their fields. There was a constant threat of snake and rodent bites, and also the fear of the dangerous elements lurking in the dark.

This took a toll on the family’s health. “My children would fall sick with diarrhoea, cholera, fever, stomach infection or cold. We had high medical expenses almost every month. During winters, when we would get up early to meet the call of nature, we had to brave the chilly winds and the fog” she says.

Answering the call of nature was further difficult if any of the family members fell ill. That meant relieving nearby and disposing the poo at a safer distance. There were other problems like children often getting late for school, which invited the ire of the teachers.

A few months back, Bharti Foundation, the CSR arm of the Indian multi-national business conglomerate Bharti enterprise offered to construct toilets for her and her neighbours free of cost.

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The project is part of ` 100 crore initiative with an aim to provide 12000 toilets, covering 900 villages in Ludhiana district. The toilets are being built and maintained by Sulabh International, a globally renowned sanitation NGO with over four decades of experience in providing affordable two-pit flush toilets.

Paramjit says the toilet in houses brought remarkable comfort and a greater sense of hygiene and good health in their lives. Her medical bills have totally reduced and she is able to organize her household work in a better way, and her children are no longer late for school.

Paramjit echoes 300 million women across India who don’t have access to proper sanitation, and are often vulnerable to sexual harassment, assault, rape and voyeurism. In 2014, two young dalit girls were raped, murdered and hanged to a tree in a village in north India, which attracted world– wide condemnation.

Taking stalk of the situation, the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his first address to the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on India’s Independence Day called for a holistic action to end open-defecation and vowed to make sanitation one of his priorities of his government.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sociologist and the Founder of Sulabh International, says “to meet India’s goal, it needs to build around 12 crore toilets for which it needs around ` 3,60,000 crores.”

Dr. Pathak says it is not clear how the government proposes to raise such amount. The state governments want the amount for the construction of toilets should come from the other sources but not from their own budget. The Indian government through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued direction to all the companies with a net profit of over ` 5 crores to spend 2% of the annual profit on welfare measures including sanitation.

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The public and private sector undertakings have already started taking up the projects and it is expected that ` 20,000 crores may come from their contribution but more needs to be done, says Dr. Pathak.

In Ludhiana, most households without toilets were seem owning television and refrigerators. The villagers say such articles can be bought through instalments but constructing a toilet is expensive and there are not financial arrangements to pay for it.

Dr. Pathak says bank loan to a beneficiary is the best way to finance the construction of toilets.

It is both transparent and efficient. The government offers a subsidy of 12,000 rupees for every household which is not enough to construct a quality toilet. Further, it takes a lot of time for the money to trickle down through government’s complex machinery.

He says “If beneficiaries take loan they will have ownership of the toilets leading to behavior change.”

Such experiments have been successful in Hirmathla village in the state of Haryana – 60 kms from Delhi – where the beneficiaries contributed 3000 rupees (10% of the amount), the rest were paid through the CSR initiative of a state owned corporation, Railtel and Sulabh International.

Hirmathla village today is free of open defecation and serves as a model village in the area where with concerted efforts of the motivators has led to a behavior change.

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BINDESHWAR PATHAK in

Ranked by The Economist amongst the World's Top 50 diversity figures in public life along with US President Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie and Bill Gates (November 2015)

Top 50 diversity figures in public life This category recognises the achievements of individuals who have used their position in public life, for example as a campaigner, politician or journalist to make an impact in diversity

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Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh International (India) "Humanist, social reformer and diversity champion Pathak works as an advocate for to the socalled ‘untouchable’ caste, so they may work, live and pray as a fully integrated part of Indian life.

His work in the improvement of sanitation and production of bio-gas is changing health and wealth outcomes for the poorest people and is cited as one of the Globally Best Practice by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements."

– THE ECONOMIST

Ranked by The Economist amongst the World's Top 50 diversity figures in public life along with US President Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie and Bill Gates (November 2015) 127

Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life This category recognises the achievements of individuals who have used their position in public life, for example as a campaigner, politician or journalist to make an impact in diversity.

Christine Amanpour, Chief International, Correspondent for CNN (USA); Chris Anderson, Entrepreneur, Creator of TED, (UK); Mariela Baeva, Writer and Former MEP, (Bulgaria); Andre Banks - Co-Founder and Executive Director, All Out (USA); Caitlyn Jenner, Olympic Gold Medalist (USA); Angelina Jolie Actress, Filmmaker, Humanitarian (USA); His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales; Maria Aparecida da Silva Bento – Campaigner, CEERT (Brazil); Elizabeth Broderick – Sex Discrimination Commissioner (Australia); Sonia Brown MBE – Founder and Director National Black Women's Network (UK); Trevor Chandler – Human Rights Campaigner (USA); Mai Chen – Managing Partner, Chen Palmer Public and Employment Law Specialists (New Zealand); Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State, Politician (USA); Ambassador Ruth Davis - 24th Director General, United States Foreign Service (USA); Bill Gates – Co-founder Microsoft (USA); Right Honourable Harriet Harman QC – Lawyer and Labour Party Politician (UK); His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet (Tibet); Arden Hoffman – VP and Global Head of HR, Dropbox (USA); Dr Freeman Hrabowki – President, University of Maryland Baltimore County (USA); Jesse Jackson – Civil Rights Activist Baptist Minister & Politician (USA); Rabina Khan – Councillor, Tower Hamlets (UK); Teresa Ko – China Chairman and Founding Partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (China); Javier Torres-Goitia Torres MD - Healthcare Specialist (South America); Luis Larrain – President, Fundacion Iguales (Chile); Richard Lui – Journalist and News Anchor, MSNBC and NBC News (USA); DeRay Mckesson – Leader, We The Protestors (USA); Purnima Mehta – Director General, American Institute of Indian Studies (India); Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of UN Women (South Africa); Michelle Obama – Lawyer, Writer, First Lady (USA); President Barack Obama - President (USA); Hon. Donald H Oliver, Q.C - Retired Senator and Lawyer (Canada); Ratna Omidvar - Founding Executive Director, GDX (Canada); Dr Bindeshwar Pathak – Found,er, Sulabh International (India); Rev. Gary Patterson - 41st Moderator, United Church of Canada (Canada); Queen Noor of Jordan - Queen (Jordan); Gwen Rhys - CEO, Women in the City (UK); Dr. E. Thomas Rowe - Creator, International Career Advancement Program (USA); Sheryl Sandberg - CEO, Facebook (USA); Ivan Scalfarotto Politican & Activist (Italy); Debra Searle MVO, MBE - Expert, Diversity and Inclusion (UK); llen Johnson Sirleaf – President, Republic of Liberia (Liberia); Dr. Paula Thaqi - Director, Florida Department of Health (USA); Andreas Wiesand - Executive Director, European Institute for Comparative Cultural Research (Germany); Conchita Wurst - Winner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest (Austria); Jean Wyllys - Lecturer, Journalist & Politician (Brazil); Malala Yousufzai - Activist for Female Education, Nobel Prize Laureate (Pakistan); Prof. Dr. Mohammed Yunus - Banker to the Poor (Bangladesh); Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - Former Prime Minster (Spain); Jacki Zehner - CEO, Women Moving Millions (USA).

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U.S. envoy applauds Sulabh's innovative efforts to improve sanitation aninews.in /newsdetail2/story228955/u­s­envoy­applauds­sulabh­039­s­innovative­efforts­to­improve­ sanitation.html Aug 13, 8:38 pm New Delhi, Aug. 13 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, today visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award­winning organization's innovative sanitation and behavior change work. At Sulabh's West Delhi complex, Ambassador Verma also met with Dalit women, who were formerly manual scavengers. Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID's (United States Agency for International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country. Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design. Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging. "I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It's highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society," Ambassador Verma said. "The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak's belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society," he added. In partnership with the India's Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ' Swachh Bharat' mission and other urban development initiatives. In addition, USAID's Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public­private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea. Early successes of these partnerships include plans to: construct 4,000 toilets and provide safe drinking water to 10,000 urban settlements in Delhi in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE); reach 20 municipal schools and 2,500 students in Kolkata and Chennai through collaboration with Coca­Cola and TERI University; with WaterHealth India, provide over 32,000 households in Bangalore with world­class safe drinking water at one­eighth the cost via state­of­the­art water filtration machines; a WASH Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to bring together 10 private sector and civil society partners including Sulabh to share best communications and advocacy practices to promote use of toilets and improved hygiene behaviors across the country. (ANI)

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US committed to supporting India's clean water, sanitation: Richard Verma Thursday, 13 August 2015 - 4:30pm IST | Place: New Delhi | Agency: PTI

During PM Narendra Modi's visit to US last year, President Barack Obama had offered his support to the "Clean India" campaign.

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday said his country is committed to extending its support in initiatives for clean water and sanitation and to help realise India's call. He lauded Sulabh International for its initiative in improving sanitation in the country and said the File Photo dna Research & Archives

low-cost toilet technology should be replicated across the globe.

"It is impressive to know how ordinary lives can be transformed by improving sanitation technology. I learnt that it doesn't take a lot of money or most-advanced technology but a commitment from the people to change the way they do things, and for their government and leaders to focus on it," he said during his visit to Sulabh, an NGO working in the sanitation sector.

Source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-us-committed-to-supporting-india-s-clean-watersanitation-richard-verma-2114019

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"It is important that the low-cost toilet technology is replicated across the globe. We are committed to extend our support in initiatives for clean water and sanitation and to help realise India's call. We look forward to working with you," he added.

Recalling a childhood memory, Verma said, "My parents immigrated to the US from Jalandhar in Punjab. I was able to go back to the house my grandmother lived...In 1974 I was there as a boy and there were no flush toilets in their house. When I visited it years later, I knew exactly what a challenge it would have been and I also know things have changed dramatically for the better but there is a long way to go and lot of progress needs to be made. We are happy to be partner in this effort through our alliance WASH and support Prime Minister and all other leaders in India who want to see lives of ordinary people improving," he added.

During PM Narendra Modi's visit to US last year, President Barack Obama had offered his support to the "Clean India" campaign.

The US government had offered to help India develop three "smart cities", offer assistance with developing infrastructure and collaborate to provide clean water and improved sanitation in 500 urban centres. It had also partenered in the Clean India campaign alongside Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Alliance (WASH).

Verma today visited the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation here and met social activist Bindeshwar Pathak, who has spearheaded the Sulabh sanitation movement and earned several national and international awards for his pioneering efforts in the country. The US Ambassador met rehabilitated manual scavenger women from Rajasthan and several widows who had come here from Vrindavan. He also paid a visit to the

Source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-us-committed-to-supporting-india-s-clean-watersanitation-richard-verma-2114019

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toilet museum and tried his hand at Sulabh's 'Water ATM' and bio-gas plant that runs on by-products from Sulabh toilets.

"This mission has been going on for 47 years. I have seen extreme cases of manual scavenging and people being treated as untouchables as also issues faced by women due to lack of sanitation facilities and realised that technological innovation was the key to solving such problems," Pathak said.

Sulabh, which engages over 50,000 people, has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government -funded ones, with nearly 15 million people using toilets based on the Sulabh design.

Source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-us-committed-to-supporting-india-s-clean-watersanitation-richard-verma-2114019

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World should adopt low-cost toilet initiative: US envoy — By IANS | Aug 13, 2015 08:23 pm

New Delhi: Lauding the low-cost toilet initiative by an NGO here, US envoy to India Richard Verma on Thursday urged the adoption of the initiative worldwide to solve sanitation problems.

The envoy, who visited the Sulabh International centre here, said: “Such a fantastic technology should be replicated throughout the globe, as it is the only solution to ensure total sanitation coverage.”

Sulabh International works towards improvement of sanitation conditions across the country and also helps in the rehablitation of manual scavengers.

Verma also appreciated the contributions of Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak for having spearheaded the sanitation movement across India.

Source : http://www.freepressjournal.in/world-should-adopt-low-cost-toilet-initiative-us-envoy/

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“I have been moved by the way Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalised and mainstreaming them in society,” said Verma.

He said the US government shares Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation was integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society.

Verma enquired about the various types of toilets designed by Pathak and learned about the recently developed water treatment plant which directly improved the living conditions in arsenic-affected villages.

Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government-funded ones based on the Sulabh design.

Besides, the US envoy interacted with some of the lady motivators who have taken several remarkable steps to raise the issue of toilets in different parts of the country. He also visited the toilet museum and got first-hand experience about Sulabh’s ‘Water ATM’ and bio-gas plant.

Source : http://www.freepressjournal.in/world-should-adopt-low-cost-toilet-initiative-us-envoy/

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (R) listens as the founder of the Indian sanitation charity Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathakat speaks during a visit at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (R) listens as the founder of the Indian sanitation charity Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathakat speaks during a visit at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (L) and the founder of the Indian sanitation charity Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathakat ((C) are shown varous models of toilets during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed http://www.gettyimages.in/detail/news­photo/ambassador­to­india­richard­rahul­verma­listens­as­the­news­photo/483782650 1/28 License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (L) and the founder of the Indian sanitation charity Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathakat ((C) are shown varous models of toilets during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA Indian widows from Vrindavan gather as they wait for the arrival of US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma for a visit to The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (2R) meets a child enrolled at Sulabh School during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (2R) meets a child enrolled at Sulabh School during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (C) looks on as the founder of the Indian sanitation charity Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathakat (L) gestures towards a model of a toilet during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (L) is welcomed upon his arrival at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma gestures towards a model of a toilet during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma gestures towards a model of a toilet during a visit to Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (L) greets Indian widows as he arrives at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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INDIA-US-POLITICS-SOCIETY MONEY SHARMA US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma (L) greets Indian widows as he arrives at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi on August 13, 2015. During his visit Verma saw demonstrations of Sulabh's 'water ATM' and the bio-gas plant that runs on the byproducts of Sulabh toilets. AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA Share & Embed License this image

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U.S. Ambassador Verma applauds Sulabh's innovative efforts to improve sanitation New Delhi, Aug 13 (IBNS): The U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award-winning organization's innovative sanitation and behaviour change work.

At Sulabh’s West Delhi complex, Verma also met with Dalit women who were formerly manual scavengers.

Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID’s (United States Agency for International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country. Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design.

Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

“I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the Source : http://indiablooms.com/ibns_new/news-details/N/12713/u-s-ambassador-vermaapplauds-sulabh-s-innovative-efforts-to-improve-sanitation.html

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dignity of the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society,” Ambassador Verma said. “The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society.”

In partnership with the India’s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission and other urban development initiatives.

In addition, USAID’s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public-private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea.

Source : http://indiablooms.com/ibns_new/news-details/N/12713/u-s-ambassador-vermaapplauds-sulabh-s-innovative-efforts-to-improve-sanitation.html

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US committed to supporting India's clean water, sanitation He lauded Sulabh International for its initiative in improving sanitation in the country and said the low-cost toilet technology should be replicated across the globe.

Aug 13, 2015, 05.01 PM | Source: PTI

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday said his country is committed to extending its support in initiatives for clean water and sanitation and to help realise India's call in this regard.

He lauded Sulabh International for its initiative in improving sanitation in the country and said the low-cost toilet technology should be replicated across the globe.

"It is impressive to know how ordinary lives can be transformed by improving sanitation technology. I learnt that it doesn't take a lot of money or most-advanced technology but a commitment from the people to change the way they do things, and for their government and leaders to focus on it," he said during his visit to Sulabh, an NGO working in the sanitation sector.

Recalling a childhood memory, Verma said, "My parents immigrated to the US from Jalandhar in Punjab. I was able to go back to the house my grandmother lived...In 1974 I was there as a boy and there were no flush toilets in their house.

Source : http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/us-committed-to-supporting-indiasclean-water-sanitation_2505261.html

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"When I visited it years later, I knew exactly what a challenge it would have been and I also know things have changed dramatically for the better but there is a long way to go and lot of progress needs to be made.

"We are happy to be partner in this effort through our alliance WASH and support Prime Minister and all other leaders in India who want to see lives of ordinary people improving," he added. During PM Narendra Modi's visit to US last year, President Barack Obama had offered his support to the "Clean India" campaign.

The US government had offered to help India develop three "smart cities", offer assistance with developing infrastructure and collaborate to provide clean water and improved sanitation in 500 urban centres. It had also partenered in the Clean India campaign alongside Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Alliance (WASH).

Source : http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/us-committed-to-supporting-indiasclean-water-sanitation_2505261.html

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Photos :: World should adopt low-cost toilet initiative: US envoy Thu, Aug 13 2015 18:30 IST IST

US envoy to India Richard Verma and Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak visit the Sulabh International ...

    Source : http://www.prokerala.com/news/photos/us-envoy-to-india-richard-verma-and-sulabh331261.html

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US envoy to India Richard Verma and Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak visit the Sulabh International ...

         Source : http://www.prokerala.com/news/photos/us-envoy-to-india-richard-verma-and-sulabh331261.html

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US envoy to India Richard Verma and Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak visit the Sulabh International ...



   Source : http://www.prokerala.com/news/photos/us-envoy-to-india-richard-verma-and-sulabh331261.html

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Friday, 14 August, 2015

(http://www.thestatesman.com/mobi/)

Life Style World should adopt low­cost toilet initiative IANS Posted at: Aug 13 2015 6:16PM

Lauding the low­cost toilet initiative by an NGO here, US envoy to India Richard Verma on Thursday urged the entire world to adopt the initiative to solve sanitation problems.

The envoy, who visited the Sulabh International centre here, said: "Such a fantastic technology should be replicated throughout the globe, as it is the only solution to ensure total sanitation coverage."

Sulabh International works towards improvement of sanitation conditions across the country and also helps in the rehablitation of manual scavengers.

Verma also appreciated the contributions of Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak for having spearheaded the sanitation movement across India.

Verma enquired about the various types of toilets designed by Pathak and learned about the recently developed water treatment plant which directly improved the living conditions in arsenic­affected villages.

Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government­funded ones based on the Sulabh design.

Besides, the US envoy interacted with some of the lady motivators who have taken several remarkable steps to raise the issue of toilets in different parts of the country.

He also visited the toilet museum and got first­hand experience about Sulabh's 'Water ATM' and bio­gas plant.

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U.S. Ambassador visits Sulabh headquarters, Applauds Dr. Pathak’s innovative works Published On: 14th August 2015 - 1:28 AM By INDIAN AWAAZ

By Andalib Akhter / Ambassador Verma at the headquarters of Sulabh International, August 13, 2015

New Delhi: The U.S.Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday applauded the Sulabh International for doing innovative work to improve Sanitation in a dignified manner. He commended Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the brain behind the Sulabh, for improving the lives of marginalized section of the society.

“I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society,” Ambassador Verma said.

“The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society,” he said.Richard Rahul Verma, United States Ambassador to India, alongwith Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak have a close look on Toilet Muesum, during his visit to Sulabh Campus, in West delhi on Thursday.13-08-15 The U.S. Ambassador Thursday visited Sulabh International headquarters and witnessed the awardwinning organization’s innovative sanitation and behavior change work. At Sulabh’s West Delhi complex, Verma also met with Dalit women who were formerly manual scavengers.

http://theindianawaaz.com/health/u-s-ambassador-visits-sulabh-headquarters-applauds-dr-pathak-forinnovative-works/

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Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID’s (United States Agency for International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country. Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design.

Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

In partnership with the India’s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country toUS ambassdor richard verma at sulabh-1 support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission and other urban development initiatives.

In addition, USAID’s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public-private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea.

http://theindianawaaz.com/health/u-s-ambassador-visits-sulabh-headquarters-applauds-dr-pathak-forinnovative-works/

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Low-cost technology is dramatically changing things for the better: US envoy Richard Verma Verma made the observations while visiting Sulabh International, an NGO working in the sanitation sector.

US Ambassador Richard Verma with school students during his visit to Sulabh International on Thursday. (Source: Express Photo by Ravi Kanojia)

Hailing the impact of low-cost sanitation technology in India, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Thursday said that he appreciated its impact as he had once lived in a house without a functional toilet and knew how it felt.

Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/low-cost-technology-is-dramatically-changingthings-for-the-better-us-envoy-richard-verma/

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Verma made the observations while visiting Sulabh International, an NGO working in the sanitation sector, where he talked about how such technology had ‘dramatically changed things for the better’.

“My parents emigrated to the US from Jalandhar in Punjab. I was able to go back in 1974 to the house, in which my grandmother lived. There were no functional toilets in that house. I know exactly how it feels,” said Verma.

“But the last time I went there, things had not only changed dramatically, they had changed for the better. So much progress has been made. We will continue to be your partner through our alliance WASH and support the PM and others in India who want to see the lives of ordinary people improving,” he added.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to US last year, President Barack Obama had offered his support for the ‘Clean India’ campaign. The US government had also offered to collaborate to provide clean water and improved sanitation in 500 urban centres. It had also partnered in the ‘Clean India’ campaign, along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Alliance (WASH).

The ambassador also interacted with several women who had left their husbands’ homes, as they didn’t have toilets, and had refused to go back until one was constructed.

On the long-term impact of such technology, Verma said, “It is amazing to know how ordinary lives can be transformed by improving sanitation technology. It doesn’t take a lot of money or the most advanced technology, just a commitment from people to change the way they do things and some funding. It can have a great impact on safety, health, education and most importantly, on girls”.

Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/low-cost-technology-is-dramatically-changingthings-for-the-better-us-envoy-richard-verma/

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“I left my husband’s home two days after getting married because there was no toilet in his house. He had to ultimately relent and construct a bathroom in the house,� said Priyanka Rai, who had come all the way from Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh to meet the ambassador. Verma also met some women from Rajasthan who used to work as manual scavengers earlier.

Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/low-cost-technology-is-dramatically-changingthings-for-the-better-us-envoy-richard-verma/

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8/14/2015

U.S. Ambassador Verma Applauds Sulabh’s Innovative Efforts to Improve Sanitation | Press Releases | India | U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID LEADERSHIP NEWS & INFORMATION » PRESS RELEASES » U.S. AMBASSADOR VERMA APPLAUDS SULABH’S INNOVATIVE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SANITATION

U.S. AMBASSADOR VERMA APPLAUDS SULABH’S INNOVATIVE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SANITATION For Immediate Release Thursday, August 13, 2015 Neha Khator 91 11 24198000

New Delhi | August 13, 2015 The U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma today visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award-winning organization’s innovative sanitation and behavior change work. At Sulabh’s West Delhi complex, Verma also met with Dalit women who were formerly manual scavengers.

U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma at the Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, headquarters of Sulabh International.

Sulabh is a partner in USAID’s (United States Agency for International U.S. Embassy, India Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country. Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design. Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

“I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society,” Ambassador Verma said. “The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society.”

In partnership with the India’s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission and other urban development initiatives. In addition, USAID’s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public-private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea. Early successes of these partnerships include plans to: Construct 4,000 toilets and provide safe drinking water to 10,000 urban settlements in Delhi in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE).

Reach 20 municipal schools and 2,500 students in Kolkata and Chennai through collaboration with Coca-Cola and TERI University.

With WaterHealth India, provide over 32,000 households in Bangalore with world-class safe drinking water at one-eighth the cost via state-of-the-art water filtration machines.

A WASH Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to bring together 10 private sector and civil society partners including Sulabh to share best communications and advocacy practices to promote use of toilets and improved hygiene behaviors across the country.

RELATED PRESS RELEASES USAID to Assist IIFCL Raise $665M to Green Finance USAID and Tata Trust Partner to Support Development Innovations in India INDIA AND U.S. TO STRENGTHEN LIVELIHOODS OF OVER 3,000 AFGHAN WOMEN

Last updated: August 13, 2015

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US committed to supporting India's clean water, sanitation drive: Richard Verma ­ The Economic Times

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US committed to supporting India's clean water, sanitation drive: Richard Verma Post a Comment

By PTI | 13 Aug, 2015, 03.46PM IST

NEW DELHI: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today said his country is committed to extending its support in initiatives for clean water and sanitation and to help realise India's call.

He lauded Sulabh International for its initiative in improving sanitation in the country and said the low­cost toilet technology should be replicated across the globe.

"It is impressive to know how ordinary lives can be transformed by improving sanitation technology. I learnt that it doesn't take a lot of money or most­advanced technology but a commitment from the people to change the way they do things, and for their government and leaders to focus on it," he said during his visit to Sulabh, an NGO working in the sanitation sector.

"It is important that the low­cost toilet technology is replicated across the globe. We are committed to extend our support in initiatives for clean water and sanitation and to help realise India's call. We look forward to working with you," he added.

Richard Verma lauded Sulabh International for improving sanitation in the country and said the low­cost toilet technology should be replicated across the globe.

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Recalling a childhood memory, Verma said, "My parents immigrated to the US from Jalandhar in Punjab. I was able to go back to the house my grandmother lived...In 1974 I was there as a boy and there were no flush toilets in their house.

"When I visited it years later, I knew exactly what a challenge it would have been and I also know things have changed dramatically for the better but there is a long way to go and lot of progress needs to be made.

"We are happy to be partner in this effort through our alliance WASH and support Prime Minister and all other leaders in India who want to see lives of ordinary people improving," he added.

During PM Narendra Modi's visit to US last year, President Barack Obama had offered his support to the "Clean India" campaign.

The US government had offered to help India develop three "smart cities", offer assistance with developing infrastructure and collaborate to provide clean water and improved sanitation in 500 urban centres. It had also partenered in the Clean India campaign alongside Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Alliance (WASH).

Verma today visited the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation here and met social activist Bindeshwar Pathak, who has spearheaded the Sulabh sanitation movement and earned several national and international awards for his pioneering efforts in the country.

The US Ambassador met rehabilitated manual scavenger women from Rajasthan and several widows who had come here from Vrindavan. He also paid a visit to the toilet museum and tried his hand at Sulabh's 'Water ATM' and bio­gas plant that runs on by­products from Sulabh toilets.

"This mission has been going on for 47 years. I have seen extreme cases of manual scavenging and people being treated as untouchables as also issues faced by women due to lack of sanitation facilities and realised that technological innovation was the key to solving such problems," Pathak said.

Sulabh, which engages over 50,000 people, has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government ­funded ones, with nearly 15 million people using toilets based on the Sulabh design. PTI GJS KKM 08131617 Stay on top of business news with The Economic Times App. Download it Now!

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics­and­nation/us­committed­to­supporting­indias­clean­water­sanitation­drive­richard­verma/articleshow/484…

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US committed to supporting India's clean water, sanitation drive: Richard Verma ­ The Economic Times

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www.business­standard.com/article/printer­friendly­version?article_id=115081301406_1

8/14/2015

www.business­standard.com/article/printer­friendly­version?article_id=115081301406_1

World should adopt low­cost toilet initiative: US envoy World should adopt low­cost toilet initiative: US IANS | New Delhi August 13, 2015 Last Updated at 19:52 IST envoy Lauding the low­cost toilet initiative by an NGO here, US envoy to India Richard Verma on Thursday urged the adoption of the initiative worldwide to solve sanitation problems.

IANS | New Delhi August 13, 2015 Last Updated at 19:52 IST

The envoy, who visited the Sulabh International centre here, said: "Such a fantastic technology should be Lauding the low­cost toilet initiative by an NGO here, US envoy to India Richard Verma on Thursday replicated throughout the globe, as it is the only solution to ensure total sanitation coverage." urged the adoption of the initiative worldwide to solve sanitation problems.

Sulabh International works towards improvement of sanitation conditions across the country and also The envoy, who visited the Sulabh International centre here, said: "Such a fantastic technology should be helps in the rehablitation of manual scavengers. replicated throughout the globe, as it is the only solution to ensure total sanitation coverage."

Verma also appreciated the contributions of Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak for having spearheaded Sulabh International works towards improvement of sanitation conditions across the country and also the sanitation movement across India. helps in the rehablitation of manual scavengers.

"I have been moved by the way Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Verma also appreciated the contributions of Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak for having spearheaded Indians. It's highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also the sanitation movement across India. restoring the dignity of the marginalised and mainstreaming them in society," said Verma.

"I have been moved by the way Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of He said the US government shares Pathak's belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change Indians. It's highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also and that innovation was integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society. restoring the dignity of the marginalised and mainstreaming them in society," said Verma.

Verma enquired about the various types of toilets designed by Pathak and learned about the recently He said the US government shares Pathak's belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change developed water treatment plant which directly improved the living conditions in arsenic­affected and that innovation was integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society. villages.

Verma enquired about the various types of toilets designed by Pathak and learned about the recently Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government­funded ones developed water treatment plant which directly improved the living conditions in arsenic­affected based on the Sulabh design. villages.

Besides, the US envoy interacted with some of the lady motivators who have taken several remarkable Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government­funded ones steps to raise the issue of toilets in different parts of the country. based on the Sulabh design.

He also visited the toilet museum and got first­hand experience about Sulabh's 'Water ATM' and bio­gas Besides, the US envoy interacted with some of the lady motivators who have taken several remarkable plant. steps to raise the issue of toilets in different parts of the country.

He also visited the toilet museum and got first­hand experience about Sulabh's 'Water ATM' and bio­gas plant.

http://www.business­standard.com/article/printer­friendly­version?article_id=115081301406_1

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US envoy applauds Sulabh's innovative efforts to improve sanitation Last Updated: Thursday, August 13, 2015 - 21:20

New Delhi: US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, on Thursday visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award-winning organization`s innovative sanitation and behavior change work.

At Sulabh`s West Delhi complex, Ambassador Verma also met with Dalit women, who were formerly manual scavengers.

Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID`s (United States Agency for International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country.

Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design.

Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

"I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It`s highly commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of Source : http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/us-envoy-applauds-sulabhs-innovative-efforts-toimprove-sanitation_1646655.html

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the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society," Ambassador Verma said.

"The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak`s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral to improving the lives of those on the margins of society," he added.

In partnership with the India`s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s `Swachh Bharat` mission and other urban development initiatives.

In addition, USAID`s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public-private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea.

Early successes of these partnerships include plans to: construct 4,000 toilets and provide safe drinking water to 10,000 urban settlements in Delhi in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE); reach 20 municipal schools and 2,500 students in Kolkata and Chennai through collaboration with Coca-Cola and TERI University; with WaterHealth India, provide over 32,000 households in Bangalore with world-class safe drinking water at one-eighth the cost via state-of-the-art water filtration machines; a WASH Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to bring together 10 private sector and civil society partners including Sulabh to share best communications and advocacy practices to promote use of toilets and improved hygiene behaviors across the country.

ANI

Source : http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/us-envoy-applauds-sulabhs-innovative-efforts-toimprove-sanitation_1646655.html

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8/14/2015

Print: US ambassador Richard Verma applauds Sulabh’s innovative efforts to improve sanitation – The Financial Express ­ Page 99 Print

US ambassador Richard Verma applauds Sulabh’s innovative efforts to improve sanitation

8/14/2015

Print: US ambassador Richard Verma applauds Sulabh’s innovative efforts to improve sanitation – The Financial Express ­ Page 99

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, today visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award­winning organization’s innovative sanitation and behavior change work.

Print

At Sulabh’s West Delhi complex, Ambassador Verma also met with Dalit women who were formerly manual scavengers.

US ambassador Richard Verma applauds Sulabh’s innovative efforts to improve sanitation

Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID’s (United States Agency for International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices across the country.

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, today visited the headquarters of Sulabh International to witness the award­winning Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design. organization’s innovative sanitation and behavior change work.

Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

At Sulabh’s West Delhi complex, Ambassador Verma also met with Dalit women who were formerly manual scavengers.

“I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly Set up by eminent sociologist and social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh is a partner in USAID’s (United States Agency for commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalized and International Development) Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices mainstreaming them in society,” Ambassador Verma said. across the country.

“The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral Sulabh has constructed nearly 1.3 million household toilets and 54 million government toilets based on an innovative toilet design. to improving the lives of those on the margins of society,” he added.

Nearly 15 million people use these toilets daily. Apart from the construction of toilets, the organization is also leading a movement to discourage manual scavenging.

In partnership with the India’s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ “I have been moved by the way Dr. Pathak and Sulabh International is changing the lives of millions of Indians. It’s highly mission and other urban development initiatives. commendable that his work is not only stopping open defecation in India but is also restoring the dignity of the marginalized and mainstreaming them in society,” Ambassador Verma said.

In addition, USAID’s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public­private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing “The U.S. Government shares Dr. Pathak’s belief that providing toilets can be a tool for social change and that innovation is integral appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea. to improving the lives of those on the margins of society,” he added.

Early successes of these partnerships include plans to: construct 4,000 toilets and provide safe drinking water to 10,000 urban In partnership with the India’s Ministry of Urban Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID is working to settlements in Delhi in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE); reach 20 municipal schools and replicate innovative water and sanitation models across the country to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ 2,500 students in Kolkata and Chennai through collaboration with Coca­Cola and TERI University; with WaterHealth India, provide mission and other urban development initiatives. over 32,000 households in Bangalore with world­class safe drinking water at one­eighth the cost via state­of­the­art water filtration machines; a WASH Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to bring together 10 private sector and civil society partners In addition, USAID’s Urban WASH Alliance is supporting five public­private partnerships that are improving water and sanitation including Sulabh to share best communications and advocacy practices to promote use of toilets and improved hygiene behaviors services in seven cities and catalyzing behavior change such as hand washing, reducing open defecation, and providing across the country. appropriate treatment for children with diarrhea.

Early successes of these partnerships include plans to: construct 4,000 toilets and provide safe drinking water to 10,000 urban settlements in Delhi in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE); reach 20 municipal schools and Copyright © 2015 ­ The Indian Express ltd. All Rights Reserved 2,500 students in Kolkata and Chennai through collaboration with Coca­Cola and TERI University; with WaterHealth India, provide over 32,000 households in Bangalore with world­class safe drinking water at one­eighth the cost via state­of­the­art water filtration machines; a WASH Social and Behavior Change Coalition formed to bring together 10 private sector and civil society partners including Sulabh to share best communications and advocacy practices to promote use of toilets and improved hygiene behaviors across the country.

Copyright © 2015 ­ The Indian Express ltd. All Rights Reserved

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/miscellaneous/us­ambassador­richard­verma­applauds­sulabhs­innovative­efforts­to­improve­sanitation/119002/99/pr… 1/1

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Thank you : Your Excellency

August 2015

Rich Verma USA Ambassador Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring tour – you are doing amazing things to transform people’s lives and keep them safe and healthy Mr. Richard Rahul Verma being sworn-in as US Ambassador to India by Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State, United States

– we are proud to know you and work alongside you in this worthy effort.

Rich Verma

His Excellency Mr. Richard Rahul Verma presenting his credentials to Hon’ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India

Nish Acharya

VISITING FELLOW, INDIA-U.S. STUDIES Not only has Prime Minister Modi identified toilets as a national priority, but India’s path-breaking NGO, Sulabh International, has already shown that Indians are willing to pay for clean, functioning toilets. Sulabh has scaled to 8,000 pay-for-use toilets across India, and introduced technology that is being used in over 1.2 million homes.

Partnerships between American startups and Sulabh are creating various sanitation solutions for the different environments of India. www.xtremeonline.in # 9311156526

Excerpts in the aforesaid book about Sulabh International which was founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in 1970.

Visit of hIS eXCELLENCY

Richard Rahul Verma United States Ambassador TO INDIA at THE Sulabh Campus on August 13, 2015 SULABH INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATION