Sulabh founder joins Malala, Obama on 'Global Diversity List'

London: Founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak has been named alongside Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai and US President Barack Obama in an inaugural 'Global Diversity List'.

Pathak is among 50 global personalities "who have used their position in public life to make an impact on diversity", the list supported by 'The Economist' magazine said.

"Humanist, social reformer and diversity champion, Pathak works as an advocate for the so-called 'untouchable' caste, so they may work, live and pray as a fully integrated part of Indian life," it said.

"His work in the improvement of sanitation and production of bio-gas is changing health and wealth outcomes for the poorest people and is cited as one of the Globally Best Practice by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements," the list said in reference to 72-year-old Pathak.

Purnima Mehta, director-general of the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), is the other Indian-origin name on the list, which also includes the likes of Britain's Prince Harry, actor Angelina Jolie and Hilary Clinton.

"The list marks a seminal moment for the diversity profession, by publicly recognising the world's most influential, innovative and creative diversity professionals in one comprehensive list for the first time," said Palmer-Edgecumbe, CEO of the 'Global Diversity List'.

"The list sets the benchmark of exceptional performance in the profession today and creates the role models for the diversity professionals of tomorrow," Palmer-Edgecumbe added.

Nominated for by readers of 'The Economist', several thousand entries were received from around the world for this first-ever analysis.

It was ratified by an independent panel of experts including Google's former head of diversity Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe.

The list has been described as a comprehensive guide to the individuals who are putting diversity at the heart of human resources within the world's biggest organisations.