A Celebration of Courage and Humanity Through Words

Kailash Satyarthi’s ‘Diyaslai’ Ignites Empathy and Dialogue at IGNCA Event: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) recently served as the venue for a special literary gathering focused on the book Diyaslai, the autobiography of Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace laureate and staunch child rights activist. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, and highlighted a life committed to compassion-driven activism and the global fight against child exploitation.

Diyaslai: A Personal Journey That Transcends Memoir

The autobiography Diyaslai—meaning “matchstick”—goes beyond personal storytelling. It vividly recounts Satyarthi’s early days in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, the humble upbringing as a police constable’s son, and his transformation into a global symbol of child liberation. The book documents his founding of Bachpan Bachao Andolan and his leadership in the Global March Against Child Labour, a historic campaign that spanned 186 countries. It is not just a story—it’s a testimony of human struggle, resilience, and victory against exploitation.

Stories of Pain, Hope, and Resistance

Within Diyaslai, readers encounter tales of harrowing child rescues, the complexity of confronting traffickers, and interactions with international policymakers. The power of the book lies in its ability to combine real-world advocacy with raw emotion—depicting both the sorrow of injustice and the hope found in every child’s freedom. The pages speak to anyone moved by the cause of human dignity and children’s rights.

Literature as a Moral Compass

During the discussion, Kailash Satyarthi stressed that compassion is not a passive emotion, but a democratic principle that demands action. He lamented that in an age of economic progress, the world continues to ignore systemic injustices such as forced child labor, trafficking, and inequality. His speech reinforced the idea that literature can awaken society, motivating individuals and institutions to pursue justice with ethical conviction.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

Beyond being a memoir, Diyaslai is a manifesto for social responsibility. It challenges readers—especially students, future civil servants, and policy aspirants—to stand up against injustice. By spotlighting this work at a national forum, IGNCA has highlighted how literary narratives can shape national consciousness and influence policy conversations rooted in empathy and inclusion.

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Kailash Satyarthi’s ‘Diyaslai’ Ignites Empathy and Dialogue at IGNCA Event: