Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh Sanitation, Social Reform and Human Rights Movement, died today aged 80. He died of cardiac arrest in All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, said a statement from Sulabh International.

“He was rushed to the hospital after he complained of uneasiness in the midst of Independence Day celebrations at the campus of Sulabh, Palam-Dabri Road, New Delhi,” the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Mr Pathak and said it a “profound loss for our nation.”

“The passing away of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Ji is a profound loss for our nation. He was a visionary who worked extensively for societal progress and empowering the downtrodden,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter)”.

The passing away of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak Ji is a profound loss for our nation. He was a visionary who worked extensively for societal progress and empowering the downtrodden.

Bindeshwar Ji made it his mission to build a cleaner India. He provided monumental support to the… pic.twitter.com/z93aqoqXrc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2023

“Bindeshwar Ji made it his mission to build a cleaner India. He provided monumental support to the Swachh Bharat Mission. During our various conversations, his passion towards Swachhata was always visible. His work will continue to inspire several people. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added.

Dr Pathak was a globally recognised leader in the sanitation movement. He has dedicated his life to improving sanitation conditions in India, and his work has had a transformative impact on the lives of millions of people.

Dr Pathak was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi”s vision of a sanitation-free India. He saw that open defecation and manual scavenging were major problems in India, and he was determined to find solutions. In 1970, he founded Sulabh International to address these issues.