FIRESIDE CHAT WITH NOBEL LAUREATE KAILASH SATYARTHI

April 11, 2024

Columbia Business School

This past week, IAAC hosted a conversation with Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, in partnership with Columbia Business School.

Celebrated globally for his fight against child labor and advocacy for education, Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 along with Malala Yousafzai. Through his work, he has liberated over 90,000 children from exploitation and developed successful models for their education and rehabilitation.

At the event, he was in conversation with IAAC Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo. Through concrete examples of how a single spark of compassion can lead to paradigm shifting social transformation and meaningful impact at scale, he spoke about his Movement For Global Compassion that aims to ignite ‘Compassion in Action’ in the world.

Satyarthi’s book "Why Didn’t You Come Sooner?" is more than just a collection of stories. It’s a call to action, filled with narratives of resilience and hope.

Arushi Ray, Director of Indo-American Arts Council’s Youth Programs, adds, “Eight years ago, I had the opportunity and privilege to visit the Bal Ashram, a rehab center established by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. I witnessed first-hand the sanctuary created for children rescued from the exploitation of slavery.

From soccer games at dawn to sitting in on classes to evening talent shows, I saw how this oasis provided a sanctuary for kids to eat, sleep, learn and play. In short - they were learning to become kids again. That experience was transformative, and revealed the profound impact of Mr. Satyarthi’s work.“

We encourage you to be a part of the movement at https://satyarthimovement.org/