The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, held a dedicated discussion on Diyaslai, the autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, as the chief guest. Also present were Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of IGNCA; Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate; and Sumedha Kailash, social activist.
This significant gathering provided a unique opportunity to reflect on Kailash Satyarthi’s lifelong commitment to social justice, child rights, and global compassion, while also offering insights into his extraordinary journey.
The event was moderated by Shri Anurag Punetha, Controller of the Media Centre at IGNCA. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who attended the event as the chief guest, stated that Kailash Satyarthi’s autobiography Diyaslai is not just a book but a movement dedicated to the fundamental rights of children.
He further remarked that Diyaslai is more than a book-it is a testament to an inspiring journey. Sharing a personal anecdote, he noted that reading the book brought back memories of his own childhood.
He observed a striking parallel between his journey and that of Satyarthi- while he emerged from a small village in Kanpur Dehat to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan, Satyarthi’s path led him from a humble village to the grand stage of the Nobel Prize.
Commending Satyarthi’s relentless struggle, Shri Kovind highlighted that his fight for child rights was not confined to India but extended across the world. He acknowledged that the path was far from easy, yet Satyarthi never wavered.
He also emphasised that Satyarthi’s decision to dedicate his Nobel Prize to the nation, rather than keeping it for himself, is a reflection of his profound patriotism. He further added, “Even during my tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kailash ji would visit me, and his thoughts always inspired me.
His autobiography, too, will serve as a source of inspiration for millions.” While addressing the audience, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai reflected on his first encounter with the book. He shared that upon receiving ‘Diyaslai’, he found himself gazing at its cover for a considerable time, sensing that the essence of the entire narrative was embedded within it.
Quoting a profound line from Kailash Satyarthi’s autobiography-"In the process of becoming a ‘Diyasalai’ (matchstick) , my life, too, has been woven with threads of angst"- he remarked that such words are not merely personal reflections but universal truths that resonate with many. He emphasised that these excerpts should find a place in the collective consciousness, inspiring individuals across generations.
Speaking on Satyarthi’s unwavering resolve, he noted, "An individual advances not merely by ambition but by the sheer force of compassion that propels him forward." Presiding over the event, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi lauded ‘Diyaslai’, describing Kailash Satyarthi as a Jagat Bandhu-a universal brother whose compassion transcends boundaries.
He further reflected that the journey captured in ‘Diyaslai’ should continue, suggesting that its next part be titled ‘Akhand Jyoti’-the eternal flame of inspiration. Expressing his gratitude to all the scholars participating in the discussion, Kailash Satyarthi remarked, "The world we live in today is more prosperous than ever before, yet we are unable to resolve its problems.
In the process of solving one issue, several new challenges arise." He emphasised that compassion alone holds the key to addressing the world’s problems. In the 24 chapters of Diyaslai, Satyarthi narrates his journey- from being born into the family of a humble police constable in Vidisha to his lifelong struggle for the liberation of children from exploitation, culminating in the honour of the Nobel Peace Prize.
This significant event served as a remarkable opportunity to gain insight into Shri Kailash Satyarthi’s lifelong commitment to social justice, child rights, and global compassion, as well as his extraordinary journey.