I am humbly and deeply grateful to you for selecting me as the 1963 award for Government Service. It is indeed a signal honor for me to be associated with the name and tradition of the late Ramon Magsaysay who combined in himself the qualities of statesman and administrator. It is a combination which is rare but most needed in the newly liberated countries, much troubled as they are by conflict and alienation between the common people and their rulers. A tragic fate removed this great leader too soon and we lost a bright example of what could be accomplished by imaginative and sincere government.

The established government is all important in ex-colonial countries. Power and talent is concentrated there, and development depends so largely upon administration. I have arrived at this conclusion not simply by being an official. On the contrary, as a young man, after six years in the Indian Civil Service, feeling a strong antipathy I disassociated myself from bureaucracy. Renouncing official responsibility, I spent many happy years as a worker and teacher. But as I grew older I realized that government is the foundation of common welfare. Therefore, in 1958 I returned to serve at the Academy for Rural Development in Comilla.

Here for the last four years we have addressed ourselves to the study of two fundamental problems; how can the village economy be modernized, and what should be the new pattern of rural administration. In the small, but typical, 100 square mile area of Comilla Thana, we are trying to discover the nature of reorganization that must take place in the village, and the shape of institutions which can inspire and support a social and economic reformation. Simultaneously we are trying to evolve a system of rural administration based on partnership between the people's representatives and the departmental officers—a system which could serve as a strong instrument of development.

No one has benefited more from the work at the Academy than myself. In all respects it is for me a rewarding experience. As a student of public administration I can acquire fresh knowledge. As director I always receive very generous support from our government and officers. The response from the villagers is equally encouraging. Besides I have many dedicated colleagues, and the Ford Foundation and Michigan State University fortify us with help and advice.

And now, members of the Board of Trustees, by this award you have not only honored me, you have assigned an international significance to the work in which I am so happily engaged. I thank you again for the honor, and I also thank you for the substantial sum of money you are giving to me. It would relieve me of anxiety I had lately felt for the education of my children. As I was foolish enough to renounce worldly wealth without renouncing family life, I have, at the age of 49, a seven year old son and very little savings. Your bounty has put an end to my only worry.