Kailash Satyarthi, born on January 11, 1954, in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, has dedicated his life to combating child labor and advocating for children’s education. In 2014, he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, sharing the accolade with Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, for their collective efforts to combat the suppression of children and young people and to promote the right of all children to education
Early Life and Inspiration
Satyarthi’s journey into activism began during his childhood when he observed a young cobbler working alongside his father, unable to attend school. This stark contrast between his own educational opportunities and the child’s situation ignited a lifelong commitment to children’s rights
Founding Bachpan Bachao Andolan
In 1980, Satyarthi founded Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), a grassroots organization aimed at rescuing children from exploitative labor and trafficking. Through this initiative, he has rescued and rehabilitated over 80,000 children across India
Global Advocacy and Recognition
Satyarthi’s influence extends beyond India. He spearheaded the Global March Against Child Labour in 1998, a worldwide movement that brought together millions of people from over 100 countries to advocate for the elimination of child labor. This campaign led to the adoption of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 182, which aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor
In recognition of his tireless efforts, Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. The Nobel Committee highlighted his focus on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain and his adherence to the non-violent tradition of Mahatma Gandhi
Recent Endeavors
In recent years, Satyarthi has continued his advocacy through various initiatives. In 2021, he was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, underscoring his ongoing commitment to global development and children’s rights
Furthermore, in 2025, Satyarthi launched the Satyarthi Youth Network, a youth-led initiative focused on compassionate action and social change. The network aims to empower young individuals to take active roles in promoting children’s rights and social justice
Legacy and Impact
Kailash Satyarthi’s work has left an indelible mark on the global fight against child labor and for children’s education. His efforts have not only led to the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of children but have also inspired a global movement towards a world where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow free from exploitation. As he continues his advocacy, Satyarthi remains a steadfast symbol of hope and change for children’s rights worldwide.
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Last Updated on: Friday, October 3, 2025 4:03 pm by BUSINESS SAGA TEAM | Published by: BUSINESS SAGA TEAM on Friday, October 3, 2025 4:03 pm | News Categories: India News, Lifestyle News
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