Child labor perpetuates poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, population growth and other social problems.

My philosophy is that I am a friend of the children. I don't think anyone should see them as pitiable subjects or charity. That is old people's rhetoric. People often relate childish behaviour to stupidity or foolishness. This mindset needs to change. I want to level the playing field where I can learn from the children. Something I can learn from children is transparency. They are innocent, straightforward, and have no biases. I relate children to simplicity and I think that my friendship with children has a much deeper meaning than others.

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

We adults, our policies, our ways of governance, are responsible for poverty, not the children.

A lot of work still remains but I will see the end of child labor in my lifetime.

If not now, then when? If not you, then who? If we are able to answer these fundamental questions, then perhaps we can wipe away the blot of human slavery.

Child labor perpetuates poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, population growth and other social problems.