This is the real Barefoot College, established in 1972. Read more >

Welcome to the real Barefoot College

Established in 1972 and improving rural lives for 50 years

Barefoot College is a 50-year-old community-based grassroots organisation founded by Sanjit “Bunker” Roy, aiming to make the most marginalised communities sustainable and self-sufficient.

We believe in the Gandhian philosophy that knowledge, skills, and wisdom found in the villages should be used for their own development.

Notice: Barefoot College has no association with Barefoot College International. For more information please read more, and to support us please contact us directly.

Since 1972, Barefoot College has trained Barefoot Solar Engineers, Barefoot Doctors, Barefoot Dentists, Barefoot Teachers and more!

“A professional is someone who has a combination of competence, confidence and belief.”
Bunker Roy

billion+

Kg CO2e reduced through mitigation and sequestration

million +

People have been positively impacted through different Barefoot Initiatives

Countries reached around the world

Last-mile villlages impacted

Over the last five decades, Barefoot College has developed solutions for impact in seven areas:

Water

Environment

Solar

Education

Livelihoods

Health

Communications

Distinguished visitors

“Rather than being focused on external material development, the college provides an opportunity for individuals to go back to their roots and to free their minds.”

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

“I was inspired by the simple, appropriate solutions Barefoot College was deploying in order to support rural communities, based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.”