Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi (vegetarian): Courageously Saving Children from Exploitation

Mr. Satyarthi has had a tendency to perform altruistic deeds since early in life. In 1974, he earned his degree in electrical engineering and taught at a technological institute for two years. In 1977, he lived in New Delhi, where he worked for Arya Samaj. Mr. Satyarthi established a magazine called “The Struggle Will Continue.” The publication featured the lives of vulnerable people. As such, he became concerned about the issue of child labor in India.

In 1980, Mr. Satyarthi founded Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), which means “Save the Childhood Movement.” BBA is now present in 20 states across India. The “Victim Assistance” service carried out by the organization has now rescued and rehabilitated over 100,000 children from trafficking and forced labor.

Mr. Satyarthi risks his own life in carrying out this vital work, and has been purposefully injured and beaten over the years, and even had a rifle held to his head. Yet, he still perseveres, and has stated, “Somebody has to pay the cost for freedom; it does not come on [a] plate.” In 2014, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the “struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.”

Mr. Satyarthi is also the founder of the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF), which has implemented many programs. One such initiative is the Bal Mitra Gram or the Child Friendly Village. There are many uplifting stories of social change that have come about directly through the Child Friendly Village program.

Through Mr. Satyarthi’s commitment and courageous leadership, the lives of thousands of youngsters have been transformed. Hope has been restored. Adults who were once rescued from exploitation as kids now work to rescue young ones in circumstances that they once faced.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: “WITH TEARS FROM MY EYES AND THANKS FROM MY HEART, gratefully present Mr. Kailash Satyarthi the Shining World Kindness Award, plus a US$20,000 humble contribution to support your loving mission of protecting youth from exploitative labor and trafficking, with high salute and gratitude. May God always shield you and your team as you bravely help enforce children’s rights every day.”