Kailash Satyarthi's Call for Compassion in a Crisis-Stricken World
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's office reached out with a poignant message: "But we must also be talking about those who no one is thinking about." This led to the establishment of a COVID-19 Support Center aimed at aiding orphaned children, providing medical care, handling missing child complaints, and reporting child sexual abuse cases in rural India and urban slums.
Overcoming Challenges with Compassion
The initiative faced immense hurdles, including distributing food, protective gear, and medical kits amidst strict lockdowns and social distancing norms. As a journalist, I ensured this critical effort was highlighted in a prime-time feature on the news channel I worked for, learning a vital lesson about maintaining 'karuna' (compassion) even in dire circumstances.
Introducing the Compassion Quotient (CQ)
Six years later, Satyarthi has introduced a groundbreaking concept: CQ = Compassion Quotient. In his latest book, 'Karuna – The Power of Compassion', he argues that compassion has been his enduring source of strength in fighting for freedom, justice, and equality. He emphasizes that compassion should be the foundational element in all dialogues.
The Erosion of Innate Compassion
The book illustrates how every human is born with compassion as an inherent trait, but societal pressures—such as discrimination, work deadlines, and time constraints—often erode it over time. Drawing from decades of rescuing children, Satyarthi shares examples where the compassion of colleagues, police officers, and law enforcement members has significantly improved the lives of abused children.
Integrating Compassion with Artificial Intelligence
Satyarthi proposes that compassionate intelligence, rooted in morality and righteousness, should guide technological advancements. He advocates for integrating CQ into AI systems, ensuring algorithms and data promote ethical and mindful problem-solving. This approach, he believes, can transform AI into a tool for extended justice.
A Real-World Example of Compassionate Technology
For instance, when rescuing 11-year-old Mithun from a begging mafia, Satyarthi's team faced the challenge of locating his family. His colleague, Chirag, used Google Earth and satellite imagery with compassionate intent, eventually reuniting Mithun with his family after months of dedicated effort.
Measuring and Improving Compassion Quotient
While CQ might seem abstract, Satyarthi asserts it can be quantified using available tools. His organization, the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC), outlines a calculation method based on four parameters:
- Awareness of suffering
- Connectedness with suffering
- Feeling of responding to the suffering
- Action to remove the suffering
Unlike IQ and EQ, which focus on individual metrics, CQ extends to family and societal levels. SMGC is collaborating with global experts in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, neuroscience, and technology to scientifically establish CQ as a measurable standard.
A Vision for a Compassionate Future
Satyarthi envisions a world where compassion is the universal solution. He states, "I see a world where compassion is the only solution." If CQ becomes a globally accepted metric, it will mark a proud achievement for India, promoting a more empathetic and just society.
