Okhil Chandra Sen’s Revolutionary Letter

Okhil Chandra Sen may not find a mention in our history books. But he is responsible for one of the greatest public utilities: toilets on Indian trains. Roused by an unfortunate incident at Ahmedpur station in 1909, Sen felt compelled to write a complaint letter to the Sahibganj divisional railway office. This seemingly innocuous letter — which recounts the hilarious mishap and his own indignation — actually launched an investigation by the British Raj which subsequently led to the installation of toilets in the train carriages for the very first time. 

Dear Sir,

I am arrive by passenger train Ahmedpur station and my belly is too much swelling with jackfruit. I am therefore went to privy. Just I doing the nuisance that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with ​‘lotah’ in one hand and ​‘dhoti’ in the next when I am fall over and expose all my shocking to man and female women on plateform. I am got leaved at Ahmedpur station.

This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung that dam guard not wait train five minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to make big fine on that guard for public sake. Otherwise I am making big report! to papers.

Your’s faithfully servent

Okhil Ch. Sen.