60-year-old Kailash Satyarthi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for leading Bachpan Bachao Andolan in his crusade for child rights spoke to Teena Thacker about his work, the award and his aim.
What was your first reaction after receiving the award?
The award was an honour for my fellow Indians and for all those children whose voice has never been heard before in the country. It was a passion from my childhood to work for children, I carried it forward. I dedicate the coveted award to people of India. I am thankful to Nobel committee for recognising the plight of millions of children who are suffering in this modern age. It is a huge honour for me.
You have been honoured by former US President Bill Clinton and have been featured in Human rights’ activist Kerry Kennedy’s book Speak Truth to Power, where your life and work was featured among the top 50 human rights defenders in the world. How does it feel?
We have been humbly fighting for child rights and the Nobel Peace award has in fact put more responsibility on me to work towards welfare of children. However, I am very happy that this is for the first time that the issue of child trafficking and child labour have been recognised Globally.
What do you think is the major challenge before India as far as the rights of the children are concerned?
The major challenge is to protect the rights of the children. This is not about simply poverty. It is more than that. The fight has to continue. I will continue my work.
Do you think that this award will send the message loud and clear to all the stakeholders?
This is for the first time that someone has won the peace prize on the issue of child rights. The biggest achievement for me will be if tomorrow the message goes out and we manage to inspire more people to join the movement, if we can inspire police, law towards the issue of child rights.
Do you have any set aim?
There is a long way to go. However, I would want to work till I eliminate child labour from India. I have been very strongly advocating that poverty must not be used as an excuse to continue child labour.
