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About the Movement
Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion
Founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) aims to globalise Compassion for justice, equality, peace and sustainability in the world.
Our core principle is that Compassion is not a soft emotion, but a powerful force for transformation.
The Movement brings together individuals and institutions from every walk of life – students, leaders, grassroots activists and global influencers. All united by a shared belief in the power of Compassion to change the world.
Need for Globalising Compassion
The world today is fractured by conflict, inequality, and indifference. We urgently need a shift – away from systems built on power and profit, toward ones rooted in humanity and shared responsibility.
To make this shift real, we must connect the world’s problem solvers with those facing the most pressing challenges.
When compassion is understood not as a sentiment but as mindful problem-solving, it becomes a powerful force for leadership, connection, and change.
0
Billion
people are living in conflict-affected areas
(UN Press Release, 2022)
0
Million
people are displaced due to the Ukraine War
(UN SDG Report, 2022)
0
Suicides
are committed every 2 minutes internationally
(WHO Report, 2019)
0
Million
people are suffering from anxiety
(Our World Data, 2018)
0
%
of Female
high-school students in the US have considered suicide
(Our World Data, 2018)
The need for Compassion
Wars, armed conflicts, inequalities, injustices, extremism, and the climate crisis are all on the rise, leading to profound human suffering. There is an alarming increase in feelings of disconnectedness, loneliness, apathy and fear.
We need to seriously rethink, redefine, and reconstruct our approach to life and society. Compassion is the most powerful way to enable
peaceful co-existence, human fraternity and a sustainable future for all.
We need the power of
compassion to heal the world.
Our Vision
To advance the Globalisation of Compassion™ to achieve justice, equality, peace and sustainability.
Our Mission
Enhance Satyarthi Compassion Quotient™ in individuals, institutions and society to drive systemic change.
Our Theory of Change
There is no easy solution to these issues. We need to seriously rethink, redefine, and reconstruct our approach to life and society, as well as our understanding of success. Compassion is key to enable peaceful co-existence, human fraternity and a sustainable future for all.
All humans are born with an inherent capacity for Compassion. A compassionate person’s response to the suffering of self and others is instantaneous and instinctive. Compassion is the driving force that steers us from cognizance to compassion in action.
Compassion is the force born from feeling the suffering of others as one’s own, that drives mindful action to end that suffering.
Our Objectives
Catalyse
compassionate action and compassionate leadership across sectors including business, civil society, academia, politics, faith, healthcare, judiciary, law enforcement to foster systemic change.
Include
the most marginalised transcending gender, race, caste, religion and other barriers, end discrimination and create a compassionate society to ensure social inclusion for all.
Learn
and create knowledge rooted in experience and research, delivering evidence-based insights and real-life examples of compassion in action and compassionate leadership for transformative impact.
Empower
young change-makers through targeted programs, to promote and amplify compassion in action and expand circles of compassion.
Harness
the power of self-compassion and compassion in action to combat loneliness, isolation and depression.
Compassion is the feeling of the suffering of others as our own suffering with a strong drive to take action to alleviate that suffering.
In simple words, compassion is mindful problem-solving.
Compassion Quotient (CQ) is the measure of an individual’s ability for Compassion. CQ can be evaluated and its level can be increased.
Increasing Level of Compassion Quotient
Compassion in Action
Expand our Circles of Compassion
Globalization of Compassion
Our Founders
Mr. Kailash Satyarthi
Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, a social reformer par excellence, stands as one of the tallest leaders and the loudest voice for the oppressed and voiceless. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for his ‘struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.’ A Global Thought Leader and the founder of the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, his dedication to social reforms is unparalleled. His fearless and unrelenting policy advocacy efforts towards the elimination of violence against the powerless have resulted in path-breaking legislations globally.Through his organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Mr. Satyarthi has liberated more than 100,000 children from child labour, slavery, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation and developed a successful model for their education, rehabilitation, and reintegration into mainstream society. The Global March Against Child Labour, which he led, galvanized support in 103 countries, resulting in the adoption of ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which went on to become the only universally ratified convention in the history of the ILO.He is also the founding president of the Global Campaign for Education, an exemplary civil society movement working to end the global education crisis. He successfully spearheaded a countrywide movement to make education a Constitutional Provision, subsequently paving the way for the Right to Free and Compulsory Education in India in 2009.Mr. Satyarthi is credited for establishing GoodWeave International (previously known as Rugmark), a first-of-its-kind certification and social labelling mechanism for child labour-free carpets in South Asia. He has worked to advance ethical business practices to help businesses liberate their supply chains from child labour.
He has been at the forefront of driving child-related agendas into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which resulted in the UN Secretary-General appointing him an SDG Advocate in 2021.
Mr. Kailash Satyarthi
Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, a social reformer par excellence, stands as one of the tallest leaders and the loudest voice for the oppressed and voiceless. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for his ‘struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.’ A Global Thought Leader and the founder of the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, his dedication to social reforms is unparalleled. His fearless and unrelenting policy advocacy efforts towards the elimination of violence against the powerless have resulted in path-breaking legislations globally.Through his organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Mr. Satyarthi has liberated more than 100,000 children from child labour, slavery, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation and developed a successful model for their education, rehabilitation, and reintegration into mainstream society. The Global March Against Child Labour, which he led, galvanized support in 103 countries, resulting in the adoption of ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which went on to become the only universally ratified convention in the history of the ILO.He is also the founding president of the Global Campaign for Education, an exemplary civil society movement working to end the global education crisis. He successfully spearheaded a countrywide movement to make education a Constitutional Provision, subsequently paving the way for the Right to Free and Compulsory Education in India in 2009.Mr. Satyarthi is credited for establishing GoodWeave International (previously known as Rugmark), a first-of-its-kind certification and social labelling mechanism for child labour-free carpets in South Asia. He has worked to advance ethical business practices to help businesses liberate their supply chains from child labour.
He has been at the forefront of driving child-related agendas into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which resulted in the UN Secretary-General appointing him an SDG Advocate in 2021.
Ms. Sumedha Kailash
Sumedha Kailash co-founded Bal Ashram Trust in 1988 with the aim of creating a safe environment where children, especially girls can learn and grow without any fear of being exploited. Born in a family of freedom fighters & revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle, Sumedha deeply espoused values of freedom, justice, compassion, and female empowerment. Under her leadership, the Bal Ashram Trust also created Bal Mitra Gram and Banjara Education Centres to bring about a constructive change in the lives of women and girls.She has been relentlessly working in this field for 45 years along with her team of activists and women’s councils to generate awareness on issues of child labour, child trafficking, girls’ education, and women empowerment among various tribes and communities in Rajasthan.
Her impeccable journey won the recognition of Mahatma Award (2021), Ramkrishna Jaidayal Harmony Award in the year 2020, Godfrey Philip Bravery Award (2009) and Aadhi Aabadi Women Achievers Awards in the year 2014.
Ms. Sumedha Kailash
Sumedha Kailash co-founded Bal Ashram Trust in 1988 with the aim of creating a safe environment where children, especially girls can learn and grow without any fear of being exploited. Born in a family of freedom fighters & revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle, Sumedha deeply espoused values of freedom, justice, compassion, and female empowerment. Under her leadership, the Bal Ashram Trust also created Bal Mitra Gram and Banjara Education Centres to bring about a constructive change in the lives of women and girls.She has been relentlessly working in this field for 45 years along with her team of activists and women’s councils to generate awareness on issues of child labour, child trafficking, girls’ education, and women empowerment among various tribes and communities in Rajasthan.
Her impeccable journey won the recognition of Mahatma Award (2021), Ramkrishna Jaidayal Harmony Award in the year 2020, Godfrey Philip Bravery Award (2009) and Aadhi Aabadi Women Achievers Awards in the year 2014.
Compassion Quotient (CQ)
Compassion Quotient (CQ) is the measure of an individual’s ability for Compassion. In other words, their capacity to notice, feel, connect with, respond and act to solve one’s own as well as others’ problems. As is the case with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ), the level of CQ can differ significantly between individuals, depending on a range of factors such as:
- Genetic Makeup
- Family Environment
- Education
- Socio-cultural Background
- Personal Beliefs and Influences
CQ can be evaluated and its level can be increased. We are developing a comprehensive framework to measure and increase CQ using a multidisciplinary approach.
Compassionate Leadership
Compassionate Leadership is the ability to make tough decisions and impact change while ensuring a culture of collaboration, engagement and growth. In order for this culture to be sustainable, ‘Compassionate Leadership’ must permeate across all levels within an organization.
Data collected by Gallup shows USD 322 billion are lost in turnover and productivity costs on account of employee burnout. Leadership with a higher CQ plays a significant role in reducing stress levels and facilitating employee motivation and professional growth.
A study by Potential Project shows that
Compassionate Leadership results in
0
%
higher employee job satisfaction
0
%
higher employees’ organizational commitment
0
%
employees are happier with their leader
0
%
of employees feel less burnt out
Benefits of Compassionate Leadership in the Workplace
Clarity of Thought
Clarity of thought empowers effective decision-making and precise understanding, cutting through complexity.
Higher
Productivity
Higher productivity leads to achieving increased output and value in a given timeframe, driving overall success.
Spirit of Collaboration
The spirit of collaboration ignites collective synergy, propelling shared endeavors to new heights.
Fostering a Solution-oriented Approach
Cultivating a solution-oriented approach nurtures a mindset geared towards finding effective answers to challenges.
Increased Employee Retention
Investing in employee satisfaction cultivates increased retention and a more stable workforce.
Structural and Systemic Problem Solving
Through systemic problem solving, we tackle core issues, fostering comprehensive and holistic solutions.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
SMGC is working towards building a world where every decision and action, be it by individuals or institutions, is guided by compassion. Rooted in the vision of Shri Kailash Satyarthi, we work to embed compassion into governance, education, communities, and everyday life.
We invite you to walk with us, lend your voice, and become part of this growing global movement.
Our Legacy
Chronicling the legacy and history of the formation of the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion.
The photographs are a testimony to the relentless struggle, courage and sacrifice of millions of people around the world who fought for the freedom and fundamental rights of the most marginalised and invisible people.
A HISTORIC FIRST
The rescue of 15-year-old Sabo and 34 other bonded labourers from a brick kiln in Sirhind, Punjab, by Kailash Satyarthi in 1981 is the first ever documented civil society led rescue initiative in India.
COMPASSION SOOTHES BURNS
Eight-year-old Ashraf used to work at the home of a government official. Accusing him of having food meant for his children, the official burnt him with hot iron rods. He was rescued by Kailash Satyarthi and reunited with his family.
INCEPTION OF BAL ASHRAM
An incredible moment during the Canadian Labour Congress in 1996 when Asmita Satyarthi’s powerful speech led to the creation of Bal Ashram.
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on Kailash Satyarthi in recognition of his struggle against the suppression of children and young people on December 10, 2014, was the defining moment for globalizing compassion. He dedicated his Nobel Prize to the nation.
LIGHT OF A BETTER TOMORROW
Pained by the suffering of millions of young girls who are married off early, Kailash Satyarthi and Sumedha Kailash launched a pan-India ‘Child Marriage Free India’ campaign which saw spirited participation of 76,000 women across India. Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee was also present on the occasion.
QUESTIONING UNTOUCHABILITY
Doors of the 400-year-old Nathdwara Temple near Udaipur in Rajasthan were firmly shut for people belonging to lower castes for decades. All this however changed on October 2, 1988, when Kailash Satyarthi entered the temple along with people who were so far labelled as “untouchables”.
ENDING THE CIRCUS OF EXPLOITATION
Despite a brutal attack on Kailash Satyarthi and his associates, a daring operation to rescue exploited Nepalese girls employed in a circus was carried out in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh in 2004. Following this, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Bachpan Bachao Andolan and Indian Circus Industry to stop employment and exploitation of children in the circus.
EDUCATION FOR ALL
A nationwide ‘Shiksha Yatra’ (Education March) was launched in Kanyakumari in 2001 demanding free and compulsory education. This culminated in Delhi and paved the way for education being made a fundamental right in India.
100 MILLION FOR 100 MILLION
Honourable President of India Pranab Mukherjee launched ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ campaign at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi. This global effort was aimed at mobilizing 100 million youth for shaping a better future of 100 million children who are less privileged.
REST IN POWER
Dhoom Das, Adarsh Kishore and Kalu Kumar are martyrs of our movement for globalizing compassion. They lost their lives in their struggle for rescuing children from slavery and gifting them the joys of freedom.
FROM BONDAGE TO FREEDOM
The picture on the left depicts children who were rescued from bondage in 1985. 35 years later, as is shown in the picture on the right, they came down to meet Kailash Satyarthi and Sumedha Kailash and shared their vision for the life ahead.
GLOBAL MARCH AGAINST CHILD LABOUR
Bringing the largely ignored issue of child labour on the global map, Kailash Satyarthi undertook 80,000 km global walk across 103 countries which culminated on June 6, 1998, at the UN headquarters in Geneva. When 36 children, who had once been child labourers, from different parts of the world entered the corridors of the UN headquarters shouting slogans, ‘Child Labour, Down, Down’ it was a watershed moment that led to the universally ratified ILO Convention 182.
INDIA MARCHES AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Over 800,000 people marched across India in 2017 under the leadership of Kailash Satyarthi traversing 11,000 km in 35 days with a clarion call to ‘Make India Safe’ for its children. More than around 250,000 educational institutions and 500 corporate houses also joined in.
LAUREATES & LEADERS JOIN HANDS
Kailash Satyarthi launched Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit in 2016 at Rashtrapati Bhawan, hosted by the Honourable President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
GLOBALIZING COMPASSION
Born out of four decades of Kailash Satyarthi’s revolutionary life and path-breaking endeavors as a social reformer, Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion is a global movement aimed at igniting Compassion in Action in the world.
ABOUT US
Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion enhances compassion in individuals, institutions and societies, to achieve justice, equality, peace and sustainability for all.
CONNECT WITH US
-
L-6, 3rd Floor, Kalkaji,
New Delhi 110019 - 011 – 47511111
- contact@satyarthimovement.org
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