Bunker Roy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sanjit Bunker Roy
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Roy at the Time 100 event in 2010
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Sanjit Roy
30 June 1945 Burnpur, Bengal Presidency, British India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | St. Stephen's College, Delhi |
| Occupation | Social activist & founder of Barefoot College |
| Spouse(s) | |
Sanjit "Bunker" Roy (born June 30, 1945) is an amazing Indian social activist and educator. He is best known for starting the Barefoot College. This college helps people in rural areas learn important skills.
In 2010, he was chosen as one of Time 100's most influential people. This was because of his great work in teaching people in Indian villages. Many of these people had not learned to read or write. In 1986, he received the Padma Shri award from Giani Zail Singh. This is one of India's highest honors.
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Bunker Roy's Early Life
Sanjit Roy went to The Doon School from 1956 to 1962. After that, he studied at St. Stephen's College, Delhi until 1967.
He was also a talented athlete! In 1965, he became the national squash champion in India. He even played for India in three world squash championships.
Starting the Barefoot College
Bunker Roy is the founder of what is now known as the Barefoot College. In 1972, he started the Social Work and Research Centre. At first, it focused on water supplies in dry areas.
Soon, its goal changed to helping people become strong and self-sufficient. The college teaches villagers to solve their own problems. For example, they learn to fix water pumps near their homes. This means they don't need outside help.
The college also trains people to be paramedics for local medical care. They teach about solar power too. This helps villages use less kerosene for light.
In 2010, Time magazine recognized the college's programs. They have trained over 3 million people! These people learned skills like being solar engineers, teachers, and midwives. They also learned to be weavers, architects, and even doctors.
Bunker Roy married Aruna Roy in 1970. She was a former Indian Administrative Service officer.
Other Important Work
Bunker Roy has spoken at the famous TED conference. He talked about how the Barefoot College helps rural communities. He explained how they become self-sufficient and strong.
He also helped make sure women workers were paid fairly. In 1983, he was part of a court case. The Supreme Court decided that women famine relief workers should be paid the same as men. Before this, women were paid less.
Awards and Recognition
Bunker Roy has received many awards for his work:
- 1985: He won the "Jamnalal Bajaj Award". This was for using science and technology to help rural areas.
- 2003: He won The 2003 "St Andrews Prize for the Environment".
- 2003: He was chosen as one of 20 "Social Entrepreneurs of the Year" by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
- 2009: He received a "Robert Hill Award". This was for his work in promoting solar energy.
