A thought-provoking discussion on the autobiography "Diyasalai" by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi took place in the esteemed presence of Former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi. The event brought together intellectuals, academicians, and social reformers to reflect on the inspiring journey of one of the world's most dedicated child rights activists.
Kailash Satyarthi: A Champion for Child Rights
Kailash Satyarthi is a globally renowned child rights activist and Nobel Peace Laureate known for his relentless fight against child labor and human trafficking. Born in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India, in 1954, he pursued a career in electrical engineering before dedicating his life to social activism. In 1980, he founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), which has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of children from forced labor and exploitation.
One of his most significant contributions is the Global March Against Child Labour, a worldwide movement that played a crucial role in influencing the International Labour Organization (ILO) to adopt Convention 182, which prohibits the worst forms of child labor. His efforts have led to the rescue of over 100,000 children from slavery, trafficking, and hazardous working conditions.
In 2014, Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Malala Yousafzai for their work in advocating children's rights. He has also been instrumental in initiatives like the GoodWeave International certification, which ensures that carpets and textiles are made without child labor. His autobiography, "Diyasalai," (meaning "matchstick" in Hindi), encapsulates his journey, struggles, and vision for a child-friendly world. His work continues to inspire global movements aimed at eradicating child labor and ensuring education for all.
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About "Diyasalai"
"Diyasalai"—which translates to ‘Matchstick’—is a powerful and deeply personal narrative of Kailash Satyarthi’s relentless fight against child labor, slavery, and exploitation. Through the book, Satyarthi shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs in his mission to secure a childhood free from suffering for millions of children. The autobiography serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for those who believe in justice, equality, and humanity.
Highlights of the Discussion
1. Insights by Former President Ram Nath Kovind
Shri Ram Nath Kovind lauded Satyarthi’s lifelong dedication to protecting children’s rights and emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about child labor and exploitation. He highlighted how "Diyasalai" is not just an autobiography but a manifesto for a better future for underprivileged children worldwide. He urged policymakers, educators, and youth to take inspiration from the book and work towards an inclusive and just society. Mr President also shared some examples of the work done by Kailash and how that inspired him as individual. He also highlighted the fact that when Mr Kailash Styarthi got his Nobel Peace Prize, he offered it to the President's house for establishing that it's India's leadership and win, not individual recognition. That's the kind of personality Mr Kailash Styarthi is.
Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India (2017–2022), is known for his humility, legal expertise, and commitment to social justice. Born in Paraukh, Uttar Pradesh, in 1945, he pursued law and practiced as an advocate in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court before entering politics. As a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (1994–2006), he actively worked on issues related to education, rural development, and the rights of marginalized communities. Before becoming President, he served as the Governor of Bihar (2015–2017), where he was praised for promoting transparency and good governance. During his presidency, Kovind emphasized constitutional values, upliftment of the underprivileged, and India’s progress in education and social welfare. His tenure was marked by a calm and dignified leadership style, making him a respected statesman in Indian political history.
2. Views of Shri Ram Bahadur Rai
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of IGNCA, emphasized the book’s literary and social significance. He spoke about how Satyarthi’s journey embodies the true spirit of service and how "Diyasalai" can ignite the minds of young readers to take an active role in social change. He encouraged more discussions around the book in academic institutions to create awareness and foster empathy for marginalized children. He picked many chapters from the book and shared some very interesting/inspiring stories associated with Kailash Satyarthi and his work.
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai: A Veteran Journalist and Thinker
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai is a distinguished journalist, author, and intellectual known for his deep insights into Indian politics, history, and culture. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), a premier institution dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. With a career spanning decades in journalism, he has been associated with several leading publications and is widely respected for his fearless and analytical approach to reporting. Rai has played a key role in shaping public discourse on issues related to nationalism, governance, and society. His vast knowledge and commitment to truth make him a prominent voice in India’s intellectual and media landscape.
3. Perspective of Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi highlighted the autobiographical elements of "Diyasalai" that make it a compelling read. He praised Satyarthi’s storytelling, which blends personal anecdotes with critical social issues, making the book both engaging and educational. He stressed the need for collective efforts in eradicating child labor and ensuring access to education for all children. He even suggested name to the next auto-biography which Kailash should write about journey in coming years.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi: A Scholar and Cultural Administrator
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi is a distinguished academician, writer, and cultural administrator who serves as the Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). With a strong background in literature, media, and cultural studies, he has played a pivotal role in promoting India's artistic and intellectual traditions. Before joining IGNCA, he held leadership positions in various educational and cultural institutions, contributing significantly to research, documentation, and dissemination of India's heritage. Dr. Joshi is also known for his scholarly writings and initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern perspectives. Under his leadership, IGNCA has expanded its reach, organizing significant discussions, exhibitions, and projects aimed at preserving India's diverse cultural legacy.
Impact of the Event
The book discussion served as a platform to ignite conversations around child rights, education, and social justice. The presence of such distinguished guests added depth to the discussion, making it an enlightening experience for the attendees. "Diyasalai" is more than just the life story of Kailash Satyarthi; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action for individuals and organizations committed to making the world a better place for children.
As the event concluded, it left the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. The discussion reinforced the idea that every individual has the potential to be a ‘diyasalai’—a matchstick that ignites change in society.
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