Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) is not a conventional NGO or a typical institution, it is the first ever ray of hope in the hearts of millions, the first dream in their eyes and first smile on their faces. It is the sky and the wings together, with desire to fly in freedom for the millions of children who are excluded from human identity, dignity and barred from their present and future. It is the tears of joy of a mother who finds her rescued child back in her lap after long years of helplessness and hopelessness. It is the first generations' alphabet to open the doors of opportunities, and it is fire for freedom and education in the hearts and souls of thousands of youth committed to wipe out the scourge of slavery and ignorance from the face of humankind.

BBA is the first ever lamp lit by few who didn't believe in crying in the darkness, but dared to hold fire in their hands and determined to dig out spring from stones. In an age of total ignorance, neglect and complete denial on the issue of child servitude, these ordinary youth had a vision to see beyond the heavens. They had strong arguments to demolish age-old myths and misconceptions about children's work, and above all, had the courage to face the mighty criminal slave masters and mafia.

In 1980, a mass movement was ignited to create a child friendly society where all children are free from exclusion and exploitation, and receive free education of good quality. The movement engaged itself in identifying, liberating, rehabilitating and educating children in servitude through direct intervention, encouraging child and community participation, building partnerships and coalitions, leading consumer actions, promoting ethics in trade, unionising workers, running campaigns on a variety of issues – education, trafficking, forced labour, decent work, building child friendly villages and mobilising the masses on a common action.

BBA has triggered a ripple effect in India and the international community. The tide is turning in favour of the children, the small lamp has multiplied into galaxies of stars, and the sun is now desperate to join hands with the children to play with them like a child. A little more effort is needed... BBA calls you to join hands now in bringing a smile – the smile of freedom, love and peace on the face of every child.

- Kailash Satyarthi, Founder