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: Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO) is the only organisation that has created path-breaking, deep-rooted changes through its focus on the much ignored sanitation sector. It’s commitment to a cleaner environment, hygiene and sanitation and the restoration of human rights has been revolutionary worldwide.

In July 2008, the United Nations acknowledged efforts of this Indian NGO in achieving the Millennium Development Goal during the High Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN. It is perhaps the best example of an organisation that comes to my mind amongst several revolutionary discoveries, that has brought about a tremendous transformation at several levels including the economically and socially weaker sections especially the lives of scavengers. I have a great admiration for this organisation as it has given practical shape to the mission of elimination of scavenging. It was founded in 1970 by Dr Bindeshwar Pathak — noted sociologist, social reformer and environmental sanitation expert. Dealing with human waste is still a challenging issue in many countries and SISSO has been a pioneer in its main efforts of restoring dignity of untouchable women scavengers by bringing them into the mainstream society. It has also helped in empowering them to be economically independent and rehabilitating them in other professions. For the past 38 years, SISSO’s initiatives have been of tremendous impact in eradicating the practice of defecation in the open and provide good sanitation. Thus, fulfilling one of the grand visions of Mahatma Gandhi.

From the very inception, the organisation has been self-reliant and has not operated through any grant from the state or central governments of the country or with financial support of any national or international agencies. Through his efforts, Dr Pathak and his team of dedicated supporters have revolutionised the concept of sanitation and hygiene aimed at improving the quality of life of scavengers, through the simple concept of maintenance of public toilets run on pay-and-use basis. Its technologies and methodologies have helped to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of the United Nations in sanitation.