Referring to themselves as 'father and daughter', Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai, who will receive the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, on Tuesday stated that they were honoured to receive the coveted award, urging India and Pakistan to work towards peace.
"Malala is like my daughter. She is the bravest child one can think of. It is an honour for me to share an award with her," Satyarthi said at a press conference here.
"This prize is very important for millions of children who are denied their childhood. Even if a single child is in danger, the entire world is in danger. As I am talking to you there are millions of children who are denied this freedom. We need to work for them," he added.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Malala, who now becomes the youngest winner of the Nobel Prize, stated that both she and her 'father' Satyarthi' believe that Islam is a religion of peace.
"I am honoured to sit with my father. We strongly believe in Islam. Islam is a religion of peace, but unfortunately there are people who don't know about this religion," she said.
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"Children all over the world ask for nothing special. They just ask for a school. It is our right to go to school. Why should we fight for something we deserve?" she added.
The two Nobel laureates also emphasised on peace between India and Pakistan, stating that peace between the children of the two countries could thaw the enmity between its leaders.
"The most important priority between India and Pakistan should be peace, especially among children and youth. I will struggle to bring about peace among children and youngsters in India, Pakistan and other countries," Satyarthi said.
"India and Pakistan were once one nation. There should now be no hatred between the two nations. India has Kailash Satyarthi, what more do you need? Let's teach children to understand peace is, then we will soon become 'bhai-bhai' again," Malala added.
Satyarthi and Malala are scheduled to receive their Nobel on December 10 at a ceremony here. The award also carries a cash prize of USD 1.1 million, which the two will share.
