Bunker Roy: Learning from a barefoot movement

http://www.ted.com In Rajasthan, India, an extraordinary school teaches rural women and men -- many of them illiterate -- to become solar engineers, artisans, dentists and doctors in their own villages. It's called the Barefoot College, and its founder, Bunker Roy, explains how it works.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate.

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[Scalaism]

This brought tears to my eyes! Why, oh why, can't we have someone like this man in Pakistan? Here we are two neighbours, the very same people, the one racing on to the stars and the other wallowing on the rubbish heap of an anti-progress religion.

[shaktisamanth]

Corrupt politicians and businessman disliked it.

[rubavi1978]

Thanks Bunker Roy for your spirit, you are a guiding light for a lot of people all over the world, you demostrate that without resources we can do incredible things for our society, sustainable society. Thanks, I will speak about your project, Barefoot College in spanish schools, to demostrate that in crisis they can offer a lot of support for their society.

Thanks!

[dilqnas]

I've watched this 5 times,my Sustainable development TA recommended it and ever since I saw it I keep recomending it too,it's amazing,you're so blessed Roy and all the people are too for having you(bow)

[sushamgupta]

@Scalaism it will only be a matter of time. Hope in a spirit of friendly rivalry this time!

[vardhamangems]

Very nice effort. We need more of these.

[zirbat16]

this guy is so awesome

[amrit77069]

GOD BLESS YOU

[MrPeonPower]

Water lawns less often. Clean cars less often, shop less. Live simply and enjoy life!

[MrPeonPower]

One thing we can do is use less energy for the costs to eco, human, and animal health are too high - and expensive, too. Turn off water and lights that aren't needed, walk rather than drive when possible, use more public transportation, use more efficient light bulbs, grow your own chem-free veggies, flush toilets less, stop using paper towels and napkins, etc. Any ideas - post 'em!

[MrPeonPower]

So what's the hold up in the US? We should do this too. Rural people with less education have improved things, while pampered people use up old-style energies that poison air, soil, and water. This solar tech is doable and healthier. I saw a TED where a young man from a rural African village made a wind tower and hooked it up to his family's home. Wow!

[alexicon89]

Man i LOVE Indian accents in English.

:P