Photo: Bunker Roy, via Wikimedia Commons
Bunker Roy, the founder of Barefoot College, died at 81 in Tilonia, Rajasthan. His work connected practical education with community-led rural development in India.
Quick answer: Bunker Roy, born Sanjit Roy in 1945, died on 10 November 2026 at his home in Tilonia, Ajmer. He founded Barefoot College to support rural communities through practical learning. A visit to famine-hit Bihar in 1966 shaped his approach to development and local knowledge.
Who was Bunker Roy?
Bunker Roy was a social activist known for his work in rural development and community education. Born in 1945, he studied at Doon School and St Stephen’s College, Delhi. He was also India’s squash champion three times.
A visit to a village in famine-hit Bihar in 1966 changed his outlook. Afterwards, he spent nearly a year and a half travelling across India and studying voluntary organisations. He then settled in Tilonia, where he began an experimental school for villagers.
What is Barefoot College?
Barefoot College is a rural development institution founded by Roy in Tilonia, Ajmer district, Rajasthan. Its early school taught villagers practical applications of engineering, medicine and the arts.
The college’s stated work covers water, solar energy, education, health, livelihoods and the environment. Moreover, it seeks to help marginalised rural communities access sustainable solutions.
Its approach drew on Gandhian philosophy: make technology understandable and place control in rural communities. It also distinguished literacy from education, valued local knowledge and supported learning opportunities for marginalised women.
Key facts and timeline
The following milestones connect Roy’s early experience with his later recognition and work.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Born Sanjit Roy |
| 1966 | Visited a village in famine-hit Bihar |
| 2010 | Named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, in the Thinkers category |
| 2026 | Died at his home in Tilonia on 10 November |
Why does his work matter?
Roy’s work illustrates how rural communities can use practical skills and local knowledge in development. Therefore, his institution offers a useful example of community participation and decentralised technology for exam preparation.
His wife, Aruna Roy, is a social activist and former Indian Administrative Service officer. She was also a key architect of the grassroots movement that led to the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Source: The Indian Express, 10 November 2026
Punjab PCS and Haryana HCS General Studies may test the connection between Barefoot College, Tilonia and rural development. Also revise community participation and Gandhian ideas as broader governance concepts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Barefoot College?
Bunker Roy founded Barefoot College. Born Sanjit Roy, he also worked to expand practical learning in rural communities.
Where is Barefoot College located?
Barefoot College is in Tilonia, Ajmer district, Rajasthan. Roy also lived in Tilonia, where he died at 81.
What influenced Roy’s approach to rural development?
A 1966 visit to famine-hit Bihar changed his outlook. Gandhian ideas also shaped his emphasis on local knowledge and decentralised technology.
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