New Delhi: A discussion on Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s autobiography Diyaslai was organized on Friday at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who was the chief guest, said that Satyarthi’s autobiography is not a book but a movement for children’s basic rights. He revealed that reading the book reminded him of his childhood.
Praising Kailash Satyarthi’s struggles, the former president remarked that Satyarthi has fought for children’s rights not just in India but across the world. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never gave up. Kovind also highlighted that Satyarthi dedicated his Nobel Prize to the nation instead of keeping it for personal recognition, showcasing his patriotism. He said, “Even when I was in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kailash Ji would come to see me, and his ideas always impressed me. His autobiography will inspire millions.”
Padma Shri recipient and veteran journalist Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA, revealed that when he got the book, he kept staring at its cover for a very long period of time and felt it reflected the spirit of the entire book. He stated, “My life, too, has been knitted with threads of rebellion, just like becoming a ‘Diyaslai.’ Portions of this autobiography must become part of all our lives.”
IGNCA Member Secretary Sachchidanand Joshi, who was the chairperson for the occasion, acknowledged Diyaslai, stating that Kailash Satyarthi is not only a Jagat Bandhu (universal brother) but also a Jagat Pita (universal father). He also stated that the second part of Diyaslai would be called Akhand Jyoti.
Thanking the scholars who had joined the debate, Kailash Satyarthi averred, “I am glad that the world we live in today is wealthier than earlier.” In his 24 chapters comprising Diyaslai, Satyarthi recounts his path from being born to the family of a plain police constable in Vidisha to his struggle throughout his life for freeing children from exploitation and ultimately receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
