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Toilet Warrior
During a business trip to India, the author made an unexpected discovery, a discovery that was to turn his understanding of our world upside down. He was so shaken by what he learned that he felt unable to simply walk away.
More often than not, when people are confronted by a major issue with global implications you will hear them say “What can I do? I’m only one person.” Mark decided that such a response would be unacceptable and he made up his mind to get involved. Rather than just sit on the sidelines, in 2014 Mark took decisive action. As a result, Mark’s inner humanitarian was awakened and the lives of tens of thousands of underprivileged children in India have been changed for the better.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2019
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 21, 2019
This book is a lively, page turner, interesting and more entertaining than you might expect. Mark Balla (the author) includes plenty of anecdotes of both success and failure, lessons learned and “if only I knew then, what I know now”.
As you would expect with the topic of toilets there are a few colourful descriptions of situations Balla finds himself dealing with. These only add an authenticity to the book and a motivation to read on.
The author covers everything, from fundraising, to dealing with local Indian contractors and the critical role World Rotary plays in his work. From his local Rotary Club in Melbourne, counterparts in India and Rotary’s the head office in Chicago.
As Mark Balla writes at one point, “If you are not good at something, work with someone who is.” This book is a masterclass in just how effective this can be.
To the author’s credit, he goes to the vital and complex area of menstrual hygiene. Some of the biggest opportunities lie in making in roads in this area for young girls in the developing world. Balla tackles the topic with humility. He claims no expertise in this area but instead carefully draws upon experts he can find while learning along the way.
The author’s ways of working and the sheer scale of success he and his partners have achieved is compelling in this book. He seems to move easily from working on the ground in remote rural India, or schools in the slums of big cities to taking his mission to the world in large forums such as TedX or World Toilet Day (yes, of course there is such a thing).
Lovers of India will revel in this book. The author’s own deep affection for India is palpable. Those curious to visit India for the first time will find further reason to do so in this book.
In a world overflowing with worthy causes, this book is a salutary reminder that over 2 billion people do not have access to a toilet. Safe access to water, sanitation and hygiene is a basic human right.
To successfully tackle this challenge in India, while based in Australia is no simple task. As the author warmly observes, “Nothing is straightforward in India”.
In my own experience, this is also what makes India the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ and adds lustre to Mark Balla’s story, a story that is anything but finished.
As you would expect with the topic of toilets there are a few colourful descriptions of situations Balla finds himself dealing with. These only add an authenticity to the book and a motivation to read on.
The author covers everything, from fundraising, to dealing with local Indian contractors and the critical role World Rotary plays in his work. From his local Rotary Club in Melbourne, counterparts in India and Rotary’s the head office in Chicago.
As Mark Balla writes at one point, “If you are not good at something, work with someone who is.” This book is a masterclass in just how effective this can be.
To the author’s credit, he goes to the vital and complex area of menstrual hygiene. Some of the biggest opportunities lie in making in roads in this area for young girls in the developing world. Balla tackles the topic with humility. He claims no expertise in this area but instead carefully draws upon experts he can find while learning along the way.
The author’s ways of working and the sheer scale of success he and his partners have achieved is compelling in this book. He seems to move easily from working on the ground in remote rural India, or schools in the slums of big cities to taking his mission to the world in large forums such as TedX or World Toilet Day (yes, of course there is such a thing).
Lovers of India will revel in this book. The author’s own deep affection for India is palpable. Those curious to visit India for the first time will find further reason to do so in this book.
In a world overflowing with worthy causes, this book is a salutary reminder that over 2 billion people do not have access to a toilet. Safe access to water, sanitation and hygiene is a basic human right.
To successfully tackle this challenge in India, while based in Australia is no simple task. As the author warmly observes, “Nothing is straightforward in India”.
In my own experience, this is also what makes India the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ and adds lustre to Mark Balla’s story, a story that is anything but finished.
May 2, 2019
Clearly Mark Balla has the intellectual capacity and empathy to see, learn, understand and assess the most simple complexities and the most complex simplicities. He is still learning!
For we in 1st world countries this book will astound you. Why? For millions of people, particularly school age girls, this is everyday life. A routine way of living.
That situation is just not right!
Through his personal journey, Mark opens up a world of opportunity for us as individuals to help.
Toilets, faeces, menstruation, hygiene, water and education have never been so engaging.
For we in 1st world countries this book will astound you. Why? For millions of people, particularly school age girls, this is everyday life. A routine way of living.
That situation is just not right!
Through his personal journey, Mark opens up a world of opportunity for us as individuals to help.
Toilets, faeces, menstruation, hygiene, water and education have never been so engaging.
April 23, 2019
Mark Balla’s book takes you on a journey of self discovery. A realisation that international business success was not the legacy he sought after all and that his own family’s well-being was only the beginning of what was truly important in the world.
He responded firstly with his heart, then his brain and was always willing to get his hands dirty as necessary - he got to work using his networking capabilities to address a problem as old as Methuselah. This is the story of a successful entrepreneur who realised that “ gold” takes many forms - and now deals in the currency of compassion, commitment and international collaboration.
Don’t let the title put you off!
He responded firstly with his heart, then his brain and was always willing to get his hands dirty as necessary - he got to work using his networking capabilities to address a problem as old as Methuselah. This is the story of a successful entrepreneur who realised that “ gold” takes many forms - and now deals in the currency of compassion, commitment and international collaboration.
Don’t let the title put you off!
April 25, 2019
Inspiring, challenging and at the same time, a message of hope for the children of India. One person can make a difference! Mark takes us on a journey which is remarkable for what has been achieved in so short a time when the resources of Rotary International are combined with one man’s passion to change the lives of children who would otherwise likely not have a future.
April 28, 2019
The book is written in a very conversational style and is easy to read. The passion of the author is very evident and the vision to make life better for others less fortunate is a clear goal.
What started as a conversation on a crowded suburban train in Mumbai on a business trip to India has become an inspiring and successful project to provide adequate and sustainable sanitation in schools in India.
The challenges of bureaucracy, culture and poverty are all discussed with energy, passion, humour and sincerity to improve the opportunities and lives of girls in particular.
As Mahatma Ghandi said:
"In a gentle way we can change the world"
and Mark Balla has shown how.
I recommend you read the book.
What started as a conversation on a crowded suburban train in Mumbai on a business trip to India has become an inspiring and successful project to provide adequate and sustainable sanitation in schools in India.
The challenges of bureaucracy, culture and poverty are all discussed with energy, passion, humour and sincerity to improve the opportunities and lives of girls in particular.
As Mahatma Ghandi said:
"In a gentle way we can change the world"
and Mark Balla has shown how.
I recommend you read the book.
April 29, 2019
Mark Balla is a true champion for children in need, changing the world one toilet at a time. His enthusiasm and passion for helping others has earned him the nickname Toilet Warrior.
Written in an easy conversational style, this engaging book tells the story of how Mark’s life was transformed when he was confronted by the lack of sanitation at an Indian school. Understanding the impacts on health and education outcomes for children - especially girls - Mark was galvanized into action and his life changed forever. Toilet Warrior is the heart warming story of this transformational experience and the work that has followed, bringing profound positive change to many thousands of children in India and beyond.
Written in an easy conversational style, this engaging book tells the story of how Mark’s life was transformed when he was confronted by the lack of sanitation at an Indian school. Understanding the impacts on health and education outcomes for children - especially girls - Mark was galvanized into action and his life changed forever. Toilet Warrior is the heart warming story of this transformational experience and the work that has followed, bringing profound positive change to many thousands of children in India and beyond.
May 21, 2019
This book will make you cry - be warned!
It will also leave you open-mouthed, laughing, horrified, and astounded that something so obvious to many of us is so complex for others. The author is one of those people consumed with passion for a cause - something we could all do with a little more of. The book is easy to read, interesting, and filled with characters you've met if you've done any sort of travel. I recommend you read it and suggest it to your friends. There's also a Ted talk by this author and that too will make you shed a tear!
It will also leave you open-mouthed, laughing, horrified, and astounded that something so obvious to many of us is so complex for others. The author is one of those people consumed with passion for a cause - something we could all do with a little more of. The book is easy to read, interesting, and filled with characters you've met if you've done any sort of travel. I recommend you read it and suggest it to your friends. There's also a Ted talk by this author and that too will make you shed a tear!
August 10, 2019
I heard Mark on 3AW a few months ago and was extremely inspired and heartbroken by his journey in making the world a better place. I have now read the book Toilet Warrior, and I was truly touched by this global issue. I loved the way Mark told his story - showing his vulnerability and emotion turmoil. His sense of determination not to walk away from his discoveries was uplifting and at the same time devastating. An eye opening read that will change you.
July 17, 2019
I bought this book directly from the author. Last night, I read it in one sitting. It's uplifting, funny and inspiring.
Mark Balla, an Australian, was routinely traveling to India for work. While on one visit, he discovered that many Indian girls don't go to school because there are no toilet facilities available. This shocked and appalled him, and he decided to take action. As part of that decision, he discovered what Rotary is and what they do. (That's how I met Mark.)
With humor, wit and passion, he describes his war to get everybody access to a sanitary and safe toilet. It was very interesting and uplifting.
Mark Balla, an Australian, was routinely traveling to India for work. While on one visit, he discovered that many Indian girls don't go to school because there are no toilet facilities available. This shocked and appalled him, and he decided to take action. As part of that decision, he discovered what Rotary is and what they do. (That's how I met Mark.)
With humor, wit and passion, he describes his war to get everybody access to a sanitary and safe toilet. It was very interesting and uplifting.
June 11, 2019
Met Mark at the Rotary Convention in Hamburg on May 31h, 2019. I thought to myself "what a nice & friendly guy". Did not know his role or line of social work he was in except that he was involved in something to do with toilets. He mentioned he has written a book about his experience with toilets in India, so I decided to purchase it to contribute to his non-profit projects. Couple of days after the Convention was done & I never saw or talked to Mark again. While Flying back home I grabbed the book to entertain myself and to"kill" time. And OMG!!!!! Will I ever imagined those pages, those stories would change the perception I have about my own past?. Past I believed for 50 years? Grew up believing we were very very poor... BUT NO... Now I know I have never been poor. We had access to clean water, toilets, soap, etc, etc. Toilet warrior & Mark have giving me more than a new perspective about my own life. It has giving me a new purpose: Living up to the social responsibility of contributing effectively in meeting the needs of today access to Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene around the world... and lots of Toilets!!!! Thanks Mark for coming into my life and showing me there is still hope!
Currently reading
May 2, 2019As the author of this book I'm not going to review it except to say that I feel privileged to be able to tell this all important story. This is a heart on my sleeve dive into a world that I was oblivious to just a few years ago. Today my life is firmly ensconced in the toilet and I truly could not think of a better place for it to be.
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September 12, 2019Well worth a read, you will be challenged to question what your inner humanitarian can do
May 4, 2020
Thank you Mark for opening our eyes to the problems associated with toilet and period poverty. Not only have you demonstrated compassion towards your beneficiaries but you also provide very practical and sustainable solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene problems in developing countries. As we read Toilet Warrior, it's obvious that the people you met during your toilet journey touched you with their stories. I love that with your sense of adventure and empathy you could share their stories and at the same time deliver a message of the need for improvement by giving people" a hand up instead of a handout"
April 9, 2023
An excellent book about the incredibly important global work of water, sanitation and hygiene. Well written, engaging and inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews