Time magazine salutes Sulabh chief Bindeshwar Pathak

Sulabh International founder and well-known sanitation expert Bindeshwar Pathak has been named as one of the 31 "Environment Heroes" of this year by Time magazine.

In its latest issue, the magazine has globally recognized 31 outstanding people for their achievements and institutions in response to climate change crisis and declared them as "Heroes of the Environment" for this year.

The Sulabh chief has been included under the category of "Scientists and innovators." According to the magazine, Pathak has perfected an excreta-based biogas plant that generates biogas to be used for heating, cooking and electricity.

It also mentioned Sulabh International's rehabilitation programmes for out-of-work scavengers, teaching them the skills they need to find new jobs. In 2003, Pathak set up a vocational centre in Alwar, Rajasthan, where women are trained in tailoring, embroidery, food-processing and beauty treatments.

Last year, some three dozen of the trainees were flown to New York city to participate in a fashion show held at the UN headquarters to mark the International Year of Sanitation.