By Thalif Deen
STOCKHOLM, Aug 19 (IPS) – Dr. Bindeshwar Patak, the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate and founder of a grassroots sanitation movement in India, recounts the days before his country’s independence in 1947 when toilets were a rare sight in remote villages and towns under British rule.
An English woman, who was planning a trip to colonial India, wrote a letter to the owner of a small guest house who was also doubling as the town’s schoolmaster. She was concerned as to whether the guest house contained a WC.
The school master, not fluent in the nuances of English acronyms, asked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC.
Together they pondered possible meanings of the letters and concluded that the lady wanted to know if there was a Wayside Chapel near the guest house. That the letters WC (water closet) could mean a bathroom, never entered their minds, said Dr. Pathak.
So the schoolmaster wrote back: ‘Dear Madam, I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located nine miles from the house. It is located in the middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds.’
‘As there are many people expected in the summer months, I suggest you arrive early. There is, however, plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.’
‘I would recommend that your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday, as there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere. The newest addition is a bell which rings every time a person enters.’
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