SOCIOLOGY OF SANITATION

                                               

On Jan. 10,2014 I attended the First National Distinguished Lecture on Sociology of Sanitation at the India International Centre, New Delhi. It was jointly sponsored by the Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology and Sulabh International Social Service organistion. This novel topic was from the fertile mind of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, who is  himself a reputed authority on sociology discipline. On this occasion Dr Yogendra Singh, Professor Emiritus of Sociology, JNU, Jairam Ramesh (could not reach), Dr pathak, prof Leela Visaria, Ahmedabad and Prof Neel Ratan, Patna were present. As a matter of fact, Dr Visaria delivered the theme lecture.

Dr Pathak, Dr Yogendra Singh and Dr Visaria talked in detail on the importance of the subject and strongly underscored the need of introducing it in the curriculum of different universitiest. They were happy to inform the gathering that some universities have already introduced the topic and others are waiting for standard text books to fall in line. Dr Visaria in her scholarly address quoted a lot of data to reveal the pathetic condition of sanitation in India. The gathering was stunned to hear how still a large number of people, particularly in rural areas were resorting to open defecation. She added that the situation was better only in less than half a dozen states including Kerala, Punjab and HP. Dr Visaria emphasized that good sanitation fetched better health, better production and peace in the society and hence it should be imparted proper preference from the Govt side.

I am slightly confused that why at all it should be argued that only sociology of sanitation should get impetus as it directly related to the society. What about other branches of knowledge? The single objective of all disciplines of knowledge is betterment of the society. Talk about science, engineering, architecture, literature and for that matter any other subject, they all have been cultivated for making the human life more enjoyable and dependable. This does not mean that sanitation is inferior to any other discipline. However, the programme brought sociology of sanitation on the front, which for ages had been brushed under the carpet. The organizers deserve proper appreciation from the society.