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 |
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Sanjit "Bunker" Roy is an amazing Indian social activist and educator. He is famous for starting the Barefoot College. This college helps people in villages learn important skills. In 2010, he was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time 100 magazine. This was because of his work teaching people in rural India who couldn't read or write well. He also received a special award called the Padma Shri in 1986.
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Growing Up
Sanjit Roy went to The Doon School from 1956 to 1962. After that, he studied at St. Stephen's College, Delhi from 1962 to 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.
The Barefoot College: Helping Communities
Bunker Roy is the founder of what is now known as the Barefoot College. In 1972, he started the Social Work and Research Centre. This happened after he studied water supplies in 100 areas that often had droughts.
The college's main goal quickly changed. It moved from just focusing on water to helping communities become strong and self-sufficient. The programs taught people how to fix water pumps near their villages. This meant they didn't need outside mechanics.
The college also trained local people to be paramedics. This helped provide medical care in their own communities. Another important program was teaching about solar power. This helped reduce the need for kerosene lamps and saved people time.
In 2010, Time magazine recognized the college's programs. They had trained over 3 million people in many skills. These skills included becoming solar engineers, like the famous Solar Mamas. People also learned to be teachers, midwives, weavers, architects, and even doctors.
Bunker Roy married Aruna Roy in 1970. She was a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
Making a Difference in Other Ways
Sanjit Roy also worked with the Indian government. He was appointed to the Planning Commission by Rajiv Gandhi. He suggested creating rules for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
He also proposed a national council to help identify helpful organizations. This council would also keep an eye on their activities.
In 1983, Roy was involved in an important court case. It was called Roy v State of Rajasthan. The Supreme Court ruled that women famine relief workers should be paid the same as men. This was a big step for equal pay.
Roy has also given a speech at the famous TED conference. He talked about how the Barefoot College helps rural communities become self-sufficient.
Awards and Honors
- 1985: Received the "Jamnalal Bajaj Award" for using science and technology to help rural development.
- 2003: Won The 2003 "St Andrews Prize for the Environment".
- 2003: Chosen as one of 20 "Social Entrepreneurs of the Year" by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
- 2009: Given a "Robert Hill Award" for his work in promoting solar energy.
