Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi returns with a deeply reflective and timely new book titled Karuna, offering a powerful exploration of compassion as the foundation for personal, social, and global transformation.

Scheduled to be unveiled at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on January 17, the book presents a compelling argument that compassion is not merely a moral value but a vital force for achieving justice, equality, peace, and sustainability. At its core, Karuna calls for what Satyarthi describes as the “globalisation of compassion” in an increasingly divided world.

Published by HarperCollins India, the book introduces an innovative concept termed the Compassion Quotient (CQ)—a scientific framework designed to help individuals and institutions measure, cultivate, and strengthen compassion in everyday life.

“Compassion today is no longer a choice; it is oxygen for the survival of humanity,” Satyarthi said in a statement. He added that by awakening one’s dormant compassion—karuna—readers can discover their inner problem-solver and changemaker, capable of driving meaningful change.

The 72-year-old activist, who founded the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, has devoted more than five decades to safeguarding the rights and dignity of marginalised children and communities across the world. His lifelong work lends both moral authority and lived experience to the ideas explored in the book.

According to the publisher, Karuna positions compassion as a practical solution to today’s individual, societal, and global challenges, offering readers a hopeful roadmap toward a more humane future.

Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher at HarperCollins India, described the book as a must-read. He noted that through Karuna, Satyarthi presents a simple yet powerful approach to resolving conflict, bridging differences, and building a better tomorrow—one rooted firmly in compassion.

Satyarthi’s earlier works include Every Child Matters, The Book of Compassion, and Why Didn’t You Come Sooner?, all of which reflect his enduring commitment to human rights and social justice.

Karuna is priced at ₹399 and is currently available for pre-order online.