Dr Pathak: National conference of sociology of sanitation was huge success

By MASEMBE TAMBWE in New Delhi 

The Founder of the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak has added his name among the list of the few Indians who has successfully formulated a definition in the discipline of sociology.

Dr Pathak told WASH FAIR blog in an exclusive interview that history has it that most if not all definitions used in the disciplines of sociology have been formulated by foreigners and that it felt good to have come up with one for the sociology of sanitation.

“I wasn’t able to be a lecturer but I am very proud to come up with at least one definition that will be used for generations to come. I have fulfilled my dream,” he said.

Dr Pathak, the advocate for the inclusion into the discipline of sociology defined the sociology of sanitation as being a scientific study to solve the problems of society in relation to sanitation, social deprivation, water, public health, hygiene, ecology, environment, poverty, gender equality, welfare of children and empowering people for sustainable development.

He said that he regarded the completion of the just ended national conference of sociology of sanitation as having been very successful because it had started the ball rolling.

Dr Pathak cited that there were only two references so far on articles related to the sociology of sanitation in 1887 and 1896 and that having the greatest sociologists of the country to agree to follow up on his dream was a huge success.

“I am aware that more convincing is required to get most sociologists on board especially when you consider that the concept of sanitation is still very new for some professors and doctors,” he said.

In order to shed more light on sanitation, Sulabh International plans to invite at least 10 sociologists on a monthly basis to their headquarters in New Delhi where they will share their vast experience on sanitation.

Dr Pathak said that it was his conviction that once the four or six year course was introduced to colleges and universities, he had doubt that the demand would be overwhelming.

“Since 1992 Sulabh International has had a vocational training unit and since that time not a single boy or girl who has been admitted left without securing a job. This course has the advantage of employing people and also creating self employment.

He said that when Sulabh started, they were working in the dark but were still able to make a difference in society adding that there was every reason for more people to do even better things when there is an actual course for it.