Social Activist, Barefoot College Founder Bunker Roy Dies At 81; Tributes Pour In
Tilonia, Rajasthan: Bunker Roy, the founder of Barefoot College, died on Tuesday at the age of 81. A social activist and educator, Roy initiated the Social Work and Research Centre, a voluntary rural development organisation.
The institution known as Barefoot College advanced several causes drinking water and solar electrification initiatives, the empowerment of women, skill development and heal, since its establishment in 1972.
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Barefoot College had trained more than three million persons for jobs in the modern world such as solar engineers, teachers, midwives, weavers, architects, doctors, among others. He worked for the rural empowerment for more than five decades. Roy’s key contribution centered on enabling rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods and access to essential skills.
Roy was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour in 1986. In 2010, Time magazine recognised him as one of the 100 most influential personalities for his work in educating citizens in rural India. He has spoken in prestigious events including in the World Summit in New York in April 2015.
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed deep sadness in the death of Roy. Calling him a visionary activist, pioneer and educator, Tharoor recalled that Roy dedicated his life to empowering rural India through self-reliance, sustainable development and grassroots innovation.
The Congress leader also listed out Roy’s contributions in a social media post on X. He concluded the post by expressing condolence to Roy’s family, colleagues, friends and admirers.
