Understanding Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and His Foundation

The question asks about the organization founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, a recipient of the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize in 2018 for Culture and Community. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is widely recognized for his significant contributions to sanitation and social reform in India.

Identifying Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak's Organization

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is the visionary behind a well-known organization dedicated to improving sanitation practices and advocating for social change, particularly concerning manual scavengers.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Bachpan Bachao Andolan: This organization is founded by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and focuses on child rights and rescuing children from forced labour and trafficking. It is not associated with Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
• PRS Legislative Research: This is an independent research institute that provides legislative research and analysis to Members of Parliament and others. It was not founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
• Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement: This movement, commonly known as Sulabh International, was indeed founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. It has been instrumental in constructing public toilets (Sulabh शौचालयों - Sulabh Shauchalayas) across India and working towards the rehabilitation of manual scavengers, promoting sanitation, and implementing social reforms. This aligns with Dr. Pathak's lifelong work.
• Smile Foundation: This is a non-governmental organization in India that focuses on education, health, livelihood, and women's empowerment. It was not founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.

Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement: Dr. Pathak's Legacy

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak founded the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement (Sulabh International Social Service Organisation) in 1970. The organization has been a pioneer in providing cost-effective sanitation solutions and has played a crucial role in changing attitudes towards sanitation and the dignity of labour related to cleaning.

His work through Sulabh International earned him numerous accolades, including the Nikkei Asia Prize 2018 for Culture and Community, which recognized his efforts in improving health and hygiene and bringing social change, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement.

Therefore, the organization founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement.

Revision Table: Key Information

Additional Information on Sulabh International and Dr. Pathak

Sulabh International's model of public toilets with pay-and-use facilities has been widely adopted and has significantly contributed to reducing open defecation. Beyond just constructing toilets, the organization has focused on developing two-pit pour-flush toilet technology, which is low-cost and sustainable. Dr. Pathak's work extended to the social upliftment of manual scavengers, providing them with alternative livelihoods and integrating them into society. The recognition with the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture and Community highlights the broad impact of his sanitation initiatives, which go beyond infrastructure to influence culture and address social inequalities.