leucocrystal:

liberian—girl:

I have always believed that the real measure of celebrity success was not just how famous he becomes, but what he does with that fame and fortune… [I have learned] that such fame can also be an enormous effective medium to focus attention and mobilize resources for a worthy cause… I feel to reap and enjoy the fruits of my talent for myself would be selfish, irresponsible and unconscionable. In these days, of such abundance and advancement in what we can do, it pains me to think that we do so little for our children. In some ways, I feel undeserving to receive an award for doing something that is my duty. I accept this award as a gesture of encouraging from the people of India and a commission to do more for mankind. I love you very much.
Mahatma Gandhi knew how important bringing the world’s attention was to gaining freedom for India without using any weapons. In some ways, he was the first person to truly understand the importance and power of the public. He has always been an inspiration to me and it gives me even greater joy and pride to be recognized by his people.

On May 1st, 1999, Michael Jackson is presented with an award for his humanitarian activities at the Bollywood Awards in New York.

The plaque on his award reads: “Though he comes from the young American tradition, Michael is the embodiment of an old Indian soul. His actions are an expression of the philosophy of Weda, which asked to work for the people - not for one’s own interests.”