Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi Urges Focus on Compassion Quotient at World Book Fair Event

The fifth day of the event was marked by the presence of Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who interacted with children and the audience, sharing insights from his life and work.

Introducing the idea of Compassion Quotient

Speaking at the event, Satyarthi highlighted how people respond differently to the problems of others. “Everybody connects with others’ problems in different ways. For some, it is just work, while others take it seriously and are deeply involved in solving the issue. I call this level of involvement a compassion quotient (CQ),” he said.

He explained that just as IQ measures intelligence, CQ could be a parameter to judge the level of compassion a person possesses.

Upcoming book ‘Karuna’ receives warm response

The Nobel Laureate was referring to his upcoming book Karuna: The Power of Compassion, which received a warm welcome at the World Book Fair. Visitors were provided with booklets offering a glimpse into the book.

CQ in personal and professional life

Sharing his vision, Satyarthi said, “After two to four years, our youth would stop asking for kundalis for marriage; instead, they would be curious to know the CQ level in his or her would-be partner.”

He also stressed that corporates should begin measuring compassion before appointing individuals to senior positions.

Recalling a defining life experience

Satyarthi also shared incidents from his autobiography Diyaslai. Recalling an episode involving caste discrimination, he spoke about a temple where lower-caste people were not allowed entry and a stone displaying the instruction stood outside.

“The moment I heard about the temple, I decided to interfere,” he said, adding that the group faced severe opposition and threats.

Standing firm in the face of opposition

He recalled sitting at a police station until all members of his group were traced. The issue later gained national attention, following which the President of India took cognizance and announced a personal visit. “After decades, that stone was removed,” Satyarthi said.

Children express admiration

Children were visibly excited to meet Satyarthi, with many clicking selfies with him. Thirteen-year-old Kanika, who was rescued as a child labourer by Satyarthi’s foundation, said, “He is our hero. He does so much for children. Everyone should learn humanity from him.”