WHY DIDN`T YOU COME SOONER` - A POWERFUL PLEA AGAINST CHILD LABOR.

In a compelling session during the 7th edition of the KLF, Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi engaged in a profound session that delved into the heart-wrenching narratives presented in his latest book, "Why Didn`t You Come Sooner." The book serves as a poignant collection, recounting 12 comprehensive stories of children rescued from the clutches of various industries across India. These narratives vividly illustrate the pervasive issue of child labor and slavery, shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by countless nameless and faceless children. Satyarthi`s accounts expose the grim reality of exploitation, kidnapping, trafficking and abuse suffered by these vulnerable children in sectors such as stone quarrying, mica mining, carpet weaving, agriculture, circuses, and brick kilns. Each story unfolds a harrowing journey of trauma experienced by children who are thrust into unimaginable situations from a very young age. One notable tale revolves around Sabo, whose liberation from a brick kiln in 1981 served as the catalyst for Satyarthi`s global movement against child labor. Sabo`s story symbolizes the resilience of those who break free from the chains of exploitation, becoming a beacon of hope for others.

The title of the book, "Why Didn`t You Come Sooner," stems from a powerful question posed by eight-year-old Devli, rescued from a stone quarry in 2004. This inquiry encapsulates the haunting experiences of these children and reflects the lingering impact of delayed intervention. Devli`s question becomes a poignant motif, resonating with the urgency and necessity of Satyarthi`s tireless mission to eradicate child labor and slavery on a global scale. In essence, Satyarthi`s book not only unveils the stark realities faced by exploited children but also serves as a call to action, urging society to address these issues promptly and collectively to ensure a brighter future for the most vulnerable among audience.