This Article is From Oct 10, 2014

'Never Been Happier,' Says Boy Rescued by Nobel Winner Kailash Satyarthi

'Never Been Happier,' Says Boy Rescued by Nobel Winner Kailash Satyarthi

Activist Kailash Satyarthi has been awarded the Nobel Peace prize for 2014, along with Malala Yousafzai

New Delhi: Meeting Kailash Satyarthi changed his life. 17-year-old Manan says he will celebrate his "Bhaisahabji's" Nobel Peace Prize with a big party.

Manan, now studying life sciences at Delhi University, was eight when he was rescued from illegal mica mines in Jharkhand's Koderma during a raid by Mr Satyarthi's Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

"We used to go 300 feet under to collect mica. It is a very hazardous industry. I saw one of my closest friends die... he was crushed under big stones while he was working deep down. It was a bad memory. I saw many dying," Manan told NDTV.

Manan started working when he was six. "My happiest moment was when Bachpan Bachao Andolan workers came and saved me," he said.

"Now Kailashji's Nobel is the second happiest moment of my life. I can't explain my joy in my own words," said the teen who wants to become a doctor.

Manan has become a vocal campaigner for child rights. "I got the chance to go to Geneva and talk about my life. I spoke at the ILO and told them about millions of children working in the industry," he said.

60-year-old Mr Satyarthi shares the Nobel with Pakistani schoolgirl activist Malala Yousafzai for promoting child rights.

"The voice of crores of children has been heard," said Mr Satyarthi, whose Bachpan Bachao Andolan is believed to have rescued some 80,000 children forced to work in mines and factories in most appalling conditions.  

The Nobel jury said Mr Satyarthi has, showing great personal courage and maintaining Gandhi's tradition, headed various forms of protests and demonstrations, all peaceful, focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain, the committee said.
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