At only 21 years old, Malala Yousafzai has already co-authored a bestselling biography, started her own non-profit and earned a Nobel prize. Yousafzai was involved in activism from an early age. Under a pseudonym, she wrote for a blog for the BBC, describing her life under the Taliban regime.

Like her father, she also spoke on Pakistani television channels and worked with NGOs to push the issue of educating girls. This unapologetic approach to activism made her the subject of a documentary and recipient of the International Children’s Peace Prize at age 14. It also made her the target of the Taliban, who shot her and two other girls on the way back from a school examination. Her remarkable story gained widespread international attention, with celebrities and politicians alike offering to help with her treatment. Even today, Yousafzai continues to campaign for education around the world, along with studying Philosophy at Oxford University. This Malala day, we bring you five inspirational quotes that display the grit, courage and compassion that makes her the inspiring figure she is.

BY Anandamayee Singh