Barefoot College founder Sanjit Bunker Roy dies in Rajasthan at 81
The social activist, who founded the Social Work and Research Centre in 1972, passed away at his home in Tilonia on Tuesday morning.
Social activist and educator Sanjit “Bunker” Roy died at his residence in Tilonia, Rajasthan, at approximately 6.15 am on Tuesday, according to reports by The Hindu and Bhaskar English. He was 81 and had been unwell for the past two to three years.
Roy was the founder of the Social Work and Research Centre, now known as Barefoot College, which he established in 1972.
The organisation focused on rural development, including solar electrification, drinking water, healthcare, and women's empowerment. Roy's approach was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas of village self-reliance. Barefoot College trained more than three million people for various roles, such as solar engineers, midwives, and teachers.
One of his most recognised initiatives involved training rural grandmothers to become solar engineers to provide electricity to off-grid homes.
Roy was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1986. In 2010, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential personalities for his work in rural India. Before dedicating his life to social work, he was a national-level squash champion.
He studied at the Doon School and St Stephen's College.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed their condolences, describing his contributions to rural self-reliance and grassroots innovation. Activist Nikhil Dey stated that the funeral will take place in Tilonia at 4 pm.