First Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Lecture Delivered by Swami Avdeshanand Giri Ji Maharaj

New Delhi, April 5 (TNA) The first Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Lecture was delivered recently by renowned spiritual leader and scholar, Pujya Swami Avdeshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who paid rich tributes to the legendary social reformer and founder of the Sulabh Sanitation Movement, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak.

Remembering Dr Pathak’s extraordinary contribution to humanity, Swamiji described him as a true saint and visionary who dedicated his life to restoring dignity to millions. He recalled Dr Pathak’s unwavering commitment to a clean India, the eradication of untouchability, and the upliftment of marginalised communities. Swamiji emphasised that Dr Pathak’s work went beyond sanitation- it was a movement for human dignity, equality, and social transformation.

President of Sulabh International, Kumar Dilip, said that the first memorial lecture was not merely a commemorative event, but a collective resolve to carry forward Dr Pathak’s unfinished mission.

“Today’s first Memorial Lecture is not just an event, but a resolution- to fulfil his unfulfilled dreams and to carry forward his ideas and vision for a more inclusive and dignified society,” he said.

On this occasion, Kumar Dilip also made an important announcement: beginning in 2027, the Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Memorial Award will be instituted and presented annually. The award will carry a cash prize of Rs. 11 lakh, along with a gold medal and citation, to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to social reform, sanitation, and human dignity.