Tue Apr 08 16:57:17 UTC 2025: ## Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi: India Must Prioritize Children’s Welfare, Combatting Injustice at Home and Abroad

**NEW DELHI** – Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, founder of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), delivered a scathing critique of India’s shortcomings in child welfare during an exclusive interview with NDTV. While acknowledging progress in combating child labor since his early activism, Satyarthi highlighted persistent issues such as weak monitoring of government schemes and widespread corruption, citing a massive nutrition scam in Madhya Pradesh as a particularly egregious example. He expressed deep personal pain at such revelations, emphasizing the devastating impact on children already struggling with food insecurity.

Satyarthi, a native of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, linked his lifelong commitment to children’s rights to the historical legacy of non-violence in his hometown, drawing inspiration from Emperor Ashoka’s children. He praised investigative journalism’s role in exposing injustices and urged a societal shift towards prioritizing children’s well-being, extending beyond governmental initiatives. He noted a growing awareness among officials and politicians, yet stressed the crucial role of societal responsibility in achieving lasting change.

The interview also touched upon broader global issues. Satyarthi highlighted the rising tide of atrocities against minorities worldwide and the increased responsibility this places on individuals, particularly Nobel laureates, to speak out against oppression and injustice. He envisioned a world where places of worship transcend religious boundaries, prioritizing the needs of all children regardless of faith. He vehemently rejected the concept of a Hindu Rashtra, emphasizing the inclusive spirit of India’s Constitution and advocating for a society where faith serves as a catalyst for compassion and humanitarian action.

Satyarthi concluded by expressing outrage at the violence inflicted on children, whether through war or neglect, emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in mindset. He advocated for investing in education and compassion over warfare, asserting that a world that prioritizes human well-being over conflict is achievable. He called on India to lead the way in this global shift, embracing the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world as one family – as a guiding principle for action.

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