Kailash Satyarthi’s autobiography ‘Diyaslai’ launched at arts college

A special discussion on the autobiography ‘Diyaslai’ by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi was organised on Friday at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Former President Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest at the event. The event also featured Padma Bhushan Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of IGNCA; Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA; Kailash Satyarthi; and social activist Sumedha Kailash.

In his address, Ram Nath Kovind described ‘Diyaslai’ as not just a book, but a movement dedicated to the rights of children. “It is more than an autobiography; it is a testament to an inspiring journey,” he said.

Kovind shared a personal connection with Satyarthi’s journey, drawing a parallel between his rise from a small village in Kanpur Dehat to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Satyarthi’s path from a humble village to the Nobel Prize stage. He praised Satyarthi’s commitment to child rights, which extended beyond India and acknowledged the difficulties Satyarthi faced in his mission.

Kovind also highlighted Satyarthi’s patriotism, noting his decision to dedicate the Nobel Prize to the nation rather than keeping it for himself.

Ram Bahadur Rai shared his first impression of ‘Diyaslai’, expressing the essence of the book was captured within its cover. He quoted a poignant line from the autobiography, “In the process of becoming a ‘Diyasalai’ (matchstick), my life, too, has been woven with threads of angst,” and noted these reflections resonate universally. Rai said Satyarthi’s progress was not driven by ambition, but by compassion, which continues to inspire many.

Kailash Satyarthi, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the scholars present and emphasised the need for compassion in solving the world’s challenges. Reflecting on the 24 chapters of ‘Diyaslai’, Satyarthi recounted his humble beginnings as the son of a police constable in Vidisha, his lifelong fight against child exploitation and his journey towards receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.