I don’t think that India is much celebrated for its democracy. Democracy has been a very neglected commodity at home and abroad.

It is also very engaging - and a delight - to go back to Bangladesh as often as I can, which is not only my old home, but also where some of my closest friends and collaborators live and work.

I really do believe that education, despite this massive potential in transforming human lives, has not received the kind of attention that people should have given to it.

The elimination of ignorance, of illiteracy... and of needless inequalities in opportunities (is) to be seen as objectives that are valued for their own sake. They expand our freedom to lead the lives we have reason to value, and these elementary capabilities are of importance on their own

Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is not having the capability to realize one's full potential as a human being

I think education has a bigger impact on the lives of people than absolutely anything else.

Poverty is a big barrier if you are at the bottom layer of society, don't know where the next meal is coming from. It is not a big barrier of taking the rich with the poor in a big society to provide schooling for all.