Michael Jackson: The Outstanding Humanitarian

In 1999, Michael was awarded the Outstanding Humanitarian Award in India by the Indian Film Industry (Bollywood Award).

Here's the transcript of the award presentation;

Host: Right now, we have an award that is sure to go down in history as one that is closest to every human's heart, the Humanitarian Award. An award that symbolizes good will, benevolence and peace. And to present this... no, before that, let me first show you something about what that is all about.

(A video sequence is shown to Michael's music and Michael is shown sitting in the audience).

Host: Alright, Michael Jackson is in the stadium.. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. S B Hinbuja.

Mr. S B Hinbuja: There are two types of people, one are on the stage, one are behind the stage, so I as a businessman is behind the stage.

Host: And now for the recipient of this prestigious award, ladies and gentlemen, probably once in a millennium comes an artist who rises far above every other artist on earth and wins not only awards and accolades, but also hearts, minds and souls. This millennium witnesses one such phenomenon, an artist, whose fans can be found on every square kilometer of this earth, from India to Belgrade from California to Calcutta. His music not only becomes popular and leaves you asking for more, but also makes you go out of the way to do something special for mankind, which is why he is what he is. Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to share the stage with this incredible history creating thriller of an artist, please welcome the phenomena Michael Jackson!

(Billie Jean plays as Michael walks on stage.)

Michael: Thank you very much. 

Thank you very much for this honour you have awarded me tonight.  I've 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.  Especially in today's technological and media advanced society, the attention and fortune showered on an individual celebrity is often times immensely disproportionate to his or her achievements.  Today a person can literally become a celebrity overnight throughout the entire world, and that kind of attention can be difficult for an individual to handle.  But I have also learned that such fame can also be an enormous, effective medium to focus attention and mobilize resources for a worthy cause.  I have been blessed with so much and have an opportunity to do what few others can.  But I believe it is more than just an opportunity, but a duty.  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 Ghandi 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.  I am here today inspiration for my Hinduja. Mr. Hindunja and your lovely family. I love you very much.  We have the same mission to bring world peace.  Kamal Dunduna has created a great show. Mahnice, thank you for your wonderful costume, I appreciate it very much. I love you all. Thank you.

"Together we can make a change of the world."

Michael Jackson, In His Own Words

Exeter Stadium Speech

On June 14, 2002, Michael Jackson made a speech at the stadium of Exeter in the United Kingdom.

"Hello everybody. Hello to you wonderful people of Exeter. To the great supporters of the Exeter City Football Club. Welcome to all the great fans that have come from here and far. To all you children.

I’m very happy, very happy to be here with you today. Today, today we come here to support children. We come here to support children with AIDS. To help, to help beyond these of those affected by HIV and AIDS. We more help them to build a good future. All of us working together for them. A future without prejudice. For these children and their families. We are here to support and help the people of Africa to find a solution in the fight against the swear of HIV AIDS ... and malaria ... through education and awareness, we aim at conviction but we help with cure. We are here to support you, the supporters and players of this great football club.

Sadly, sadly, we live in a state of fear. Everyday we hear of war on the news, on the radio and television and the newspapers, always of war. We hear of nations hurting each other, of neighbours hurting each other, of families hurting each other and the children killing each other. We must learn to live and love each other before it’s too late. We have to stop! We have to stop the prejudice, we have to stop the hating, we have to stop living in fear of our own neighbours.

I would like all of you now to take the hand of the person to the left and to the right. Go ahead! Right now! I mean it! Don’t be shy! Do it! It starts now! To the person next to you. To the left and the right. I mean it. Right now! Go ahead! Don’t be shy. Do it! Do it! Now, tell the person ... tell the person next to you that you care for them. Tell them that you care for them. Tell them that you love them. Tell them that you love them. This is what makes the difference. 

Together ... together we can make a change of the world. Together we can help to stop racism. Together we can help to stop prejudice. We can help the world live without fear. It’s our only hope, without hope we are lost..."

--- by Michael Jackson

   

Here are more pictures of that occasion taken various sources;

HIStory: The Legend Award (Part 1)

Introduced to an adoring crowd at a Tokyo stadium as the king of pop, the king of rock and the king of soul, Michael Jackson flashed a quick peace sign as he walked onstage to the sound of one of his biggest hits, Thriller.

"I'd like to say to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart, I love you very, very much",  he said.

Receiving a Legend Award at MTV's Japan Video Music Awards ceremony, Michael  said,  "I thank the fans around the world and I thank the fans in Japan."

"I promised myself I wouldn't be emotional when I got up here," he continued, as his voice cracked and trailed off. Then he added, "I think you are very sweet, generous and kind people.

I thank all the people who believed in me. I believe in you.

I thank my children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, who have been there for me, he added.I love them very much."

Backstage Moments: 

In a brief appearance backstage with reporters after the ceremony, Michael  was asked if he had a message for his fans.

"I love you and thank you for your loyalty,"  he said, making a light bow and putting his hand to his heart.

A steady rain pelted Tokyo on Saturday, but that could not prevent several hundred fans from flocking to catch a glimpse of Michael as he arrived to receive the award.

The crowd held up signs that read "We love you, Michael" and "Welcome to Japan" and some sported his trademark glitter glove as Michael stepped out of a black limousine, surrounded by several bodyguards.

Wearing sunglasses, a jewellery-embroidered black blazer and tight black trousers with a simple white T-shirt, Jackson did not speak but waved and raised a forefinger to acknowledge a group of reporters before he was whisked inside along a red carpet.

He also spent time in Tokyo touring the city, visiting orphanages and meeting with Asian business.

"I look forward to my visit to Japan because I have so many fond memories of my visits there," Michael said in a statement.