Bunker Roy Quotes
Bunker Roy is an Indian social activist and educator who is best known for his work in promoting sustainable development and empowering rural communities. He is the founder of the Barefoot College, an organization that provides education and training to rural communities, particularly women, in area…Read More
Bunker Roy is an Indian social activist and educator who is best known for his work in promoting sustainable development and empowering rural communities. He is the founder of the Barefoot College, an organization that provides education and training to rural communities, particularly women, in areas such as solar energy, water management, and healthcare. Roy’s approach to development is based on the belief that local knowledge and skills are crucial for sustainable development and that everyone, regardless of education or social status, has the potential to be a change-maker. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Padma Shri and the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Award. Roy’s notable works include the Barefoot College model, which has been replicated in over 90 countries, and his book “Barefoot College: How Rural India Took Charge of Its Destiny.” He continues to be a leading voice in the field of sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.Read Less
Bunker Roy is an Indian social activist and educator who is best known for his work in promoting sustainable development and empowering rural communities. He is the founder of the Barefoot College, an organization that provides education and training to rural communities, particularly women, in areas such as solar energy, water management, and healthcare. Roy’s approach to development is based on the belief that local knowledge and skills are crucial for sustainable development and that everyone, regardless of education or social status, has the potential to be a change-maker. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Padma Shri and the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Award. Roy’s notable works include the Barefoot College model, which has been replicated in over 90 countries, and his book “Barefoot College: How Rural India Took Charge of Its Destiny.” He continues to be a leading voice in the field of sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.
Bunker Roy Career Highlights
- In 1972, Roy founded the Barefoot College in Tilonia, a small village in Rajasthan, India. The college offers a range of programs, including solar engineering, water harvesting, and healthcare, all taught by local villagers.
- In 1986, Roy established the Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC), a non-profit organization that works towards sustainable development in rural areas. The SWRC has been instrumental in implementing various projects, such as rainwater harvesting and solar electrification, in over 3,000 villages across India.
- In 2003, Roy was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to rural development and education.
- In 2009, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for his innovative approach to education and community development.
- In 2010, Roy was awarded the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his work in promoting sustainable development and empowering rural communities.
- In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship for his pioneering work in rural education and development.
Key Contributions by Bunker Roy
- Roy’s most significant contribution is the establishment of the Barefoot College, which has trained over 3 million people from rural communities in India and around the world. The college’s unique approach of using local resources and knowledge has made it a model for sustainable development.
- He has also been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, with a focus on providing education and training to women from marginalized communities. The Barefoot College has trained over 1,000 women as solar engineers, giving them the skills and confidence to become leaders in their communities.
- Roy’s work has had a significant impact on the lives of rural communities, providing them with access to education, healthcare, and sustainable technologies. This has helped to improve their quality of life and reduce their dependence on outside aid.
- He has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous communities and has worked towards preserving their traditional knowledge and practices.
What Sets Bunker Roy Apart
- Roy’s approach to development is unique in that it focuses on empowering local communities and utilizing their knowledge and resources. This bottom-up approach has been highly effective in creating sustainable and long-lasting change.
- He has also challenged traditional notions of education by promoting a hands-on, practical approach that values traditional knowledge and skills. This has made education more accessible and relevant to rural communities.
- Roy’s work has also been characterized by his commitment to social justice and equality. He has been a strong advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and has worked towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Takeaways
- Bunker Roy’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate the power of community-led development and the importance of empowering marginalized groups.
- His work has shown that education and training can be effective tools for promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty.
- Roy’s approach to development challenges traditional models and highlights the importance of valuing local knowledge and resources.
- His work serves as an inspiration for social entrepreneurs and activists around the world, showing that small-scale, community-driven initiatives can have a significant impact on society.
Other People
Social activist
· USA
1936 - 1989
Social activist
· India
1939
Social activist
· United Kingdom
1967
Social activist
· India
1914 - 2008
