Sanjit 'Bunker' Roy, Visionary Founder of Barefoot College, Dies at 81

A Life Dedicated to Rural Empowerment

Sanjit 'Bunker' Roy, a transformative social activist and the founder of the renowned Barefoot College, died at his home in Tilonia, Rajasthan, on 2026-11-10. He was 81 years old at the time of his passing, which occurred peacefully in the presence of his wife, Aruna Roy, and close associates. His death marks the end of a career that fundamentally reshaped how the world approaches grassroots development and rural self-reliance.

Born on 1945-06-30 in Burnpur, India, Roy was raised with the advantages of a privileged education, attending The Doon School and St Stephen’s College in Delhi. Despite his background, he chose to dedicate his life to the service of India's most marginalized populations. His commitment to social change was solidified after he witnessed the devastating impact of the Bihar famine in the late 1960s, an experience that prompted him to abandon traditional career paths.

Founding the Barefoot College

In 1972, Roy established the Social Work and Research Centre in Tilonia, which eventually became globally recognized as the Barefoot College. The institution was built on the radical Gandhian principle that rural communities possess the inherent wisdom and skills necessary to solve their own problems without relying on external experts. By prioritizing local knowledge, the college successfully demystified complex technologies for those with little or no formal education.

The college gained international acclaim for its innovative programs, most notably the training of rural women—often referred to as Solar Mamas—to become solar engineers. These women, many of whom were illiterate, learned to install and maintain solar lighting systems, bringing electricity to remote villages across India and several other nations. Beyond energy, the institution expanded its reach to include water management, healthcare, and night schools for children who worked during the day.

Awards and Global Recognition

Roy’s contributions to social entrepreneurship and sustainable development earned him numerous prestigious honors throughout his life. He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 1986 for his dedication to social work. In 2010, Time magazine recognized his global influence by naming him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

His work was further validated by a wide array of international accolades, including the Schwab Foundation Award for Outstanding Social Entrepreneurs and the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. He also received the ALCAN Award for Sustainability and the Clinton Global Citizen Award, reflecting the global impact of his community-led development model. These awards underscored his success in proving that grassroots innovation could provide scalable solutions to global poverty.

Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Roy was married to Aruna Roy, a prominent social activist and former civil servant who was a key collaborator in many of his initiatives. Together, they formed a powerful partnership that advocated for transparency, accountability, and the rights of the rural poor. Their shared life in Tilonia became a symbol of their commitment to the principles they championed, living among the people they sought to empower.

The legacy of Bunker Roy extends far beyond the physical campus of the Barefoot College. He leaves behind a global movement that continues to challenge conventional development paradigms by placing the agency of the poor at the center of social change. His life serves as a testament to the power of unlearning traditional hierarchies to foster true, sustainable community development.