I am thankful to the Nobel committee for recognising the plight of millions of children who are suffering in this modern age

We talk of globalization, and how much money is needed for the education of children in the world, their liberation and rehabilitation just $9 billion which is four days of military expense. Just four days. Nine billion dollars is nothing. But what Americans spent on ice cream just 20 percent of this. One fifth of what you spend on ice creams could bring the children out of the clutches of their masters and put them to school.

Equity is compromised due to the privatisation of education. Education has become a commodity. Those who can afford to buy it, buy it, and those who can sell it make money out of it

I think of it all as a test. This is a moral examination that one has to pass... to stand up against such social evils.

There is no greater violence than to deny the dreams of our children.

Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child's eye - it is very beautiful.

I am really honoured but if the prize had gone to Mahatma Gandhi before me I would have been more honoured