IDEAS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE:: Life and Mission of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: S.P. Singh

• Language: English

• Edition: 2019

• ISBN: 9788131609897

• Pages: 548

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches

About the Book
Ideas for Social Change: Life and Mission of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak offers a profound exploration of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak's life and his transformative mission through the Sulabh Movement. This book delves into the intersection of ancient values and modern materialism, highlighting the Sulabh philosophy as a powerful bridge between the two. Dr. Pathak’s journey, which began with the humble idea of providing sanitation facilities, grew into a widespread social reform movement that changed millions of lives.

The book discusses the challenges Dr. Pathak faced and how his work transcended basic sanitation, evolving into a societal culture that has reshaped social, political, and religious institutions. It highlights how Dr. Pathak’s vision remains global, yet deeply rooted in local action. His unwavering resolve and silent work have made him a prominent figure in the quest for social change, blending the philosophical traditions of Hegel and Kant with the practical realities of social reform.

The narrative unfolds through 35 chapters, covering a wide range of subjects from the history and philosophy of the Sulabh Movement to the impact of his innovations on caste, scavenging, and sanitation. The book also reflects on the broader socio-political implications of Dr. Pathak's work, discussing topics such as the intersection of caste, civil society, and technology in fostering social justice.

This biography not only chronicles Dr. Pathak's achievements but also examines the core principles that shaped his activism and the legacy of the Sulabh Movement in creating a scavenging-free society and promoting the dignity of marginalized communities.

Contents

1. A Trust and Value-Based System of Self-Governance: The global context to Sulabh ideas

2. Formative Years: A World of Old Values and New Hope

3. Long Journey Since Gandhi Centenary Year in Patna

4. A Bridge Between Two Worlds, Old and New

5. Big Dreamer of Small Things

6. A Leader Tested by Fire

7. A Social Reformer More by Chance than Choice

8. A Man of Faith and Good Conscience

9. Sulabh Founder is an Institution Builder

10. A Synthesis of Gandhism and Social Democracy

11. Dr. Pathak’s World View: Trusteeship Idea Revived

12. Sulabh Movement Forged Out of a Million Dreams

13. Global Perspective to Sulabh Movement

14. The Ideas that Define Sulabh Movement

15. Sulabh Seeks to Change Mindset and Attitude

16. World’s Civil Rights Movements that Inspired the Founder

17. Middle Class Behind Most Social Movements

18. Some Social Movements and Reformers’ Profiles

19. Dialectics of Social Change

20. Dr. Pathak is a Third Generation Gandhian

21. The English Language and Social Reforms

22. From Spinning-Jenny to Two-Pit Sulabh Toilet

23. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Sulabh Technologies

24. Social Impact of Sulabh Technologies

25. The Sewerage System No Longer Self-Sustainable

26. Science and Technology Trigger Social Change

27. Philosophy of Sulabh Technologies and System

28. Scavenging: A Flawed Social Construct

29. Scavenging is Breach of Social Contract

30. Scavengers are Worst Victims of Caste System

31. Caste is Rooted in Past, False Beliefs and Religion

32. Temple Entry Movements Led to Social Awakening

33. Power Back to People: Role of Civil Society

34. Landmark Years in Sulabh Sanitation Movement

35. Bihar: Always a Nursery of Social Movements

About the Author
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, is a renowned academic, social reformer, and prolific writer. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Stockholm Water Prize, and the Nikkei Asia Prize 2018 for Culture and Community. His work has been instrumental in eradicating manual scavenging and promoting a cleaner, more dignified society. Dr. Pathak’s philosophy centers around the belief that sanitation and social reform are integral to social justice.

S.P. Singh, the author, is an experienced journalist who has worked with several major news outlets in India. He has written extensively on historical and social issues, contributing his expertise to this detailed account of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s life and work. Singh resides in Gurgaon with his family.