Rural Educations

In this speech, Bunker Roy shares his inspiring experience creating the Barefoot College in 1972 in Rajasthan, India. He begins the speech by describing his privileged upbringing, attending the most prestigious schools and universities in the country. After having visited one of the poorest villages in India, he was inspired to dedicate his life and career to educating the poor to create a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves and their communities.

As Bunker explains, the Barefoot College was started to educate the poor; individuals holding any type of degree or educational certificate were not permitted to enroll in the program. Pupils of the Barefoot College are primarily illiterate and enroll in the school to develop traditional skills such as cooking, sewing, weaving, midwifery or farming. All classes at the Barefoot College are taught on the ground, and pupils are permitted to come and go as they please. The Barefoot College is a truly admirable accomplishment, which is helping people in India create a healthy and self-sustaining lifestyle.