Ishwarbhai Patel dies in Ahmedabad

Padmashri awardee Ishwarbhai Patel (77),known for his tireless works for the safai sevaks and in field of sanitation,passed away in Ahmedabad on December 26 after brief illness.

Ishwarbhai served as the president of Gujarat Harijan Sevak Sangh,managing trustee of Sabarmati Harijan Ashram Trust,director of Environmental Sanitation Institute and founder-president of Manav Sadhna Trust-Gandhi Ashram. He pioneered the development of low cost village sanitation and toilet designs,which were later adopted by many developing countries.

He was born at Unjha in Mehsana district and he had inspired organisations like Gramshree,Seva Cafe,MAM Movies,Yuva,Indicorps and many more. To facilitate more grassroot national and international trainers under ESI,he created a training campus at Sughad. He is survived by his wife,two sons and a daughter.

A condolence meeting will be held inside Gandhi Ashram at Parikshit Majoomdar Hostel on December 30 from 9 am.