Bunker Roy: Champion of Rural Empowerment and Founder of Barefoot College

 

Sanjit “Bunker” Roy is a visionary Indian social activist and educator whose pioneering work has transformed rural communities across India and beyond. As the founder of Barefoot College, Roy has dedicated over five decades to empowering illiterate and semi-literate villagers—especially women—by equipping them with practical skills that foster self-reliance and sustainable development. This article explores his remarkable career, the philosophy behind Barefoot College, and the global impact of his work.

Early Life and Awakening to Social Change:

Born on June 30, 1945, Bunker Roy grew up in an affluent family and attended prestigious institutions such as The Doon School and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He was also a national squash champion, representing India internationally. However, a visit to drought-stricken Bihar in 1967 exposed him to the stark realities of rural poverty, igniting a lifelong commitment to grassroots activism.

Rejecting conventional career paths, Roy immersed himself in rural India, learning traditional skills and understanding local challenges firsthand. This experience shaped his belief that education must go beyond literacy to include practical knowledge and community wisdom.

Founding Barefoot College: Education for the Poor, by the Poor:

In 1972, Roy established the Social Work and Research Centre in Tilonia, Rajasthan, which later became known as Barefoot College. Initially focused on water and irrigation, the organization quickly expanded its mission to holistic rural empowerment through sustainable solutions.

Barefoot College’s innovative model trains rural men and women—many of whom are illiterate—in vital skills such as solar engineering, midwifery, teaching, and water management. The college operates on Gandhian principles of simplicity, dignity, and community ownership, with no formal contracts and capped wages to maintain equity.

Empowering Women and Lighting Up Villages:

One of the most groundbreaking programs at Barefoot College is training women, often grandmothers, as “Solar Mamas.” These women learn to install, maintain, and repair solar power systems, bringing electricity to remote off-grid villages. This initiative has electrified over 650 villages in India and expanded to more than 21 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

By empowering women as solar engineers, Barefoot College challenges traditional gender roles and promotes leadership and economic independence among rural women.

Global Recognition and Awards:

Bunker Roy’s work has earned him international acclaim, including:

•          Padma Shri (1986): One of India’s highest civilian honors
•          Time 100 Most Influential People (2010): Recognized for global impact
•          Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement (2004)
•          Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2005)
•          Clinton Global Citizen Award (2013)
•          Named by The Guardian as one of 50 environmentalists who could save the planet

In 2023, Princeton University awarded Roy an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, acknowledging his transformative work in sustainable development and education.

Philosophy: Education as a Tool for Dignity and Self-Reliance:

Roy’s approach centers on respecting indigenous knowledge and empowering communities to solve their own problems. He believes that literacy alone is insufficient; practical skills and confidence to manage local resources are key to sustainable progress.

Barefoot College exemplifies this philosophy by training “barefoot professionals” who serve their villages as teachers, engineers, health workers, and artisans, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

Legacy and Continuing Impact:

Today, Barefoot College operates in over 80 countries and has trained more than 3 million people worldwide. Its model has been replicated globally, inspiring social entrepreneurs and NGOs committed to inclusive, sustainable development.Bunker Roy’s career is a testament to how one individual’s vision, combined with grassroots action, can catalyze profound social change—lighting up lives, literally and figuratively, across continents. Click here to explore more Global Indian stories that inspire.