Noted social reformer and founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak was on Wednesday honoured with Japan’s prestigious ‘Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture and Community’ for his significant work in tackling poor hygiene and discrimination.
The award honours people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of the three areas: regional growth; science, technology and innovation; and culture and community. Former PM Manmohan Singh and Infosys Chairman Narayan Murti are among the few Indians who have won the prize in the past.
“This award will be another milestone in my commitment to the service of the society in Asia in particular and world in general,” said Mr. Pathak,75, while receiving the award from Chairman of the Award Committee Fujio Mitarai at a ceremony here. He has dedicated the prize to the downtrodden section of the society, according to a statement by the Sulabh International.
Mr. Mitarai said Pathak was given the honour for “tackling two of his country’s biggest challenges — poor hygiene and discrimination”.
Mr. Pathak’s two-pit pour-flush ecological compost toilets have provided cheap and environment friendly toilets to millions.