Sulabh Founder Bindeshwar Pathak, Who Waged War Against Open Defecation Dies Soon After Hoisting National Flag

New Delhi: Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak, who built community toilets in a war against open defecation, died due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday, PTI reported.

Pathak was the founder of Sulabh International, a social organisation, which works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, waste management, and reforms through education.

The aide said that Pathak hoisted the national flag in the morning on the occasion of Independence Day and collapsed soon after that. He was rushed to AIIMS Delhi. A source at the hospital said Pathak was declared brought dead at 1.42 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Pathak’s demise. “The passing away of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Ji is a profound loss for our nation. He was a visionary who worked extensively for societal progress and empowering the downtrodden”, the prime minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Bindeshwar Ji made it his mission to build a cleaner India. He provided monumental support to the Swachh Bharat Mission. During our various conversations, his passion towards Swachhata was always visible. His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he added.