The 1961 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding

During my rather long life, I have had many surprises, but I can say with truth that I have never been so utterly astonished as when I received the telegram telling me that I had been selected for the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

My first reaction was to take a quick look backward at my modest accomplishments, and to wonder why the people who have really done all sorts of things in Asia had not been chosen instead of me. But even though I knew my unworthiness, I was filled with deep satisfaction that I, even I, was to receive the Magsaysay Award.

From the end of the war, I followed with deepest admiration the determined and wisely directed struggle of your great President against the forces of disruption and subversion which were threatening to take over your country. His outstanding leadership, not only in Asia, but in the entire free world encouraged and inspired those of us who were looking forward to a better world after the ravages of war. Then came the news of his untimely death. To me, as to many others, it was a personal loss as well as a blow to the cause of freedom.

You can imagine, therefore, how happy I am to know that, from now on, my name will in an humble way be associated with that of this outstanding statesman and truly great patriot.

I need not tell you that I regard this Award as a trust, to be used in the cause of international understanding, and to help blind people here in Asia to assume their rightful place in the world that needs them. I do not look upon it as an award to me, but to all those in Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, without whose help and understanding I could have done nothing.

Thank you once again, and be assured that this Award is, and will continue to be, a stimulus for me to put forth every possible effort to work for international understanding and for the welfare of the blind, as long as Almighty God gives me life and strength.