Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Winners


Address at the award ceremony of Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy to TATA family, CMU, Pittsburgh, USA

17/Oct/2007 : Pittsburgh, USA

What Can I give?

“In giving happiness emanates” I am very happy that TATA Family is honored with Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy today. My greetings to TATA family, particularly to Ratan Tata for receiving this award on behalf of TATA family. This occasion reminds me, the advice given to Gandhiji when he was 9 years old by his mother. Gandhiji’s mother said.

"Son, in your entire life time, if you can save or better someone's life, your birth as a human being and your life is a success. You have the blessing of the Almighty God".

This advice has made a deep impact in the mind of Gandhiji, which made him to work for the humanity throughout his life.
In the same way, I can see the reflections in the Carnegie family and TATA family in their philanthropic actions, which has made an impact in the lives of many societies in the world. On this occasion, I am reminded of several events, but I would like to share a few of the visionary actions by the TATA family. Jamsetji N. Tata is a pioneer in establishing Steel manufacturing in India. With the advice of Swami Vivekananda, he also laid the foundation for the material research particularly steel making in India, resulted the birth of Indian Institute of Science.

The next important event, which I am remembering was, how the great visionary JRD Tata, contributed for the growth of aeronautics in India. JRD Tata was the first visionary leader who started aviation. On October 15, 1932, the first flight of Indian Civil aviation took place from Karachi to Ahmedabad and on to Bombay. His efforts led to the birth of Air India in 1946. Let us recall his word "with Air India, I was creating something new, something entirely new, and therefore I was creating history in a small way so did not have to have the responsibility for the past".

Today, Ratan TATA has brought a brand for the automobile sector in India and made value for money through the “TATA Indica”.
TATA family in India is known for the pioneering contribution for the national development and their philanthropic actions through TATA charitable trusts which supports hundreds of schools and universities, healthcare organizations and hospitals, social welfare agencies, the arts and agricultural and rural development efforts in every part of india, bringing great benefits and new hope to millions of Indians every day. The Tata trusts provide more than financial support; they bring an expectation of excellence, trust and dedication to high purposes.

While the award is being presented to TATA family with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, I am reminded of a poem which I have written on “Giving”, now I would like to share with you:

Radiating message on Giving
“O my fellow citizens,
In giving, you receive happiness,
In Body and Soul.
You have everything to give.
If you have knowledge, share it.
If you have resources, share it with the needy.
Use your mind and heart,
To remove the pain of the suffering,
And, cheer the sad hearts.
In giving, you receive happiness.
Almighty will bless all your actions.”

I have come across many incidents where people have, irrespective of their normal professional affiliations, have come forward for great societal missions by giving. Our education system should lay the foundation among the young for evolving a conflict free, happy life resulting in an attitude of “giving” and “giving”. Let this tribe of giving grow and grow. It is a great honour and happiness for me to witness the scene of Ratan TATA, on behalf of TATA family receiving the 2007 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

May God bless you.

Dr. APJ AbdulKalam,
17.10.2007