Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Program 2010 – 11 alumnus, Abir Mullick has secured three patents for public toilets designed by him during his Fulbright-Nehru tenure. The patents have been secured for Twin Modular Unit, Single Modular Unit and Sanitary Appliance; all in India. The new toilets respond to the vast and urgent problems of public sanitation faced by the Indian society. Designed for mass manufacture, the toilets allow for customization and facilitate off-site production and on-site installation. The new toilets add dignity to the life of the poor. Post his Fulbright tenure, Mullick has also authored several papers and delivered a number of lectures on the topic.

Mullick studied the life and needs of slum dwellers and worked on creating a universal bathroom for Indian use during his Fellowship at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. His research has created such a high impact that state and local governments in India are interested in using public toilets designed by him during his Fulbright-Nehru tenure and discussions are underway.

Abir Mullick (right) with the Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari