Bunker Roy

Sanjit "Bunker" Roy (born 30 June 1945) is an Indian social activist and educator who founded the Barefoot College. He was selected as one of Time 100's 100 most influential personalities in 2010 for his work in educating illiterate and semi-literate rural Indians. Roy was awarded the Padma Shri by Giani Zail Singh in 1986.

Early life He attended The Doon School from 1956 to 1962, and St. Stephen's College, Delhi from 1962 to 1967.

He was the Indian national squash champion in 1965 and also represented India in three world squash championships.

Barefoot College Bunker is a founder of what is now called Barefoot College. After conducting a survey of water supplies in 100 drought-prone areas, Roy established the Social Work and Research Centre in 1972. teachers, midwives, weavers, architects, and doctors.

In 1983, he was the plaintiff in Roy v State of Rajasthan in which the Supreme Court struck down an emergency policy which had allowed women famine relief workers to be paid less than male workers.

Roy has spoken at the TED conference, about how the Barefoot College "helps rural communities becomes self-sufficient."

Awards and recognition

1985: "Jamnalal Bajaj Award" for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development. 2003: Won The 2003 "St Andrews Prize for the Environment" 2003: One of 20 people to be selected as "Social Entrepreneurs of the Year" by Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship 2009: Received a "Robert Hill Award" for his contribution to promotion of photo-voltaics (solar energy)