Must globalise compassion to solve basic human issues

Children's rights activist and Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi is set to launch his autobiography, Diyasalai at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Thursday.

- Vrinda Tulsian

NEW DELHI: He spoke to HT about his journey, the power of compassion, and the significance of his work in the fight against child labour and slavery.

The title of your autobiography, Diyasalai (matchstick), is quite symbolic. What does it represent?

The idea behind Diyasalai is deeply personal. I grew up in a home without electricity, relying on lanterns for light. A matchstick, though small, has the power to ignite countless candles and lamps. But it must be willing to burn itself first. To me, this is the essence of activism—one must be ready to sacrifice in order to bring change. This metaphor has shaped my life's work.

When I started working for the most marginalised and neglected children, it was an uphill battle. For decades, the world did not acknowledge their suffering. But I persisted, knowing that even a single spark can light up the darkest corners of the world.