In the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Swachh Bharat Mission, a Chair devoted to the study of sociology of sanitation has been set up at a University here.
The Bharti-Mandan Chair for Sociology of Sanitation was set up at the L N Mishra Mithila University for encouraging research and higher studies on the topic, Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak said.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day seminar on womens empowerment, Pathak said yesterday the Chair has been named after eighth century scholar Mandan Mishra and his learned wife Bharti, whose debates with Adi Sankara mark a glorious chapter in the intellectual history of Mithila.
A trained sociologist himself, Pathak exhorted experts in the field to devote themselves to the study of the impact of sanitation in a society and also announced an initial grant of Rs 20 lakh for the Chair.
Speaking at the seminar, Binod Kumar Choudhary, the Head of the Department for Sociology in the L N Mishra Mithila University, thanked Pathak for making the announcement and coming up with the offer of financial aid for the same.
Around hundred sociologists from different parts of the country including Neel Ratan, B K Nagla and A K Pandey of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) participated in the seminar.
Speaking at the function, local BJP MLA Sanjay Saraogi also lauded the announcement of a chair on sociology of sanitation made by Pathak.
Known for its pioneering work in human waste management and eradication of manual scavenging, Sulabh International, a non governmental body, has been involved in a number of initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, including ensuring cleanliness at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi which is the Prime Ministers parliamentary constituency.
Pathak has also been named the brand ambassador for Swachh Rail Mission as part of which many important railway stations across the country are being given a facelift.
Pathak has been honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan for his contribution to Asia's development.