First Nehru award to Thant

President Radhakrishnan to-day [April 12] presented the first Jawaharlal Nehru Award to the U.N. Secretary-General, U Thant, for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of international understanding and friendship among peoples of the world before a distinguished gathering at an impressive ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan here [New Delhi]. The President said the U.N. Secretary-General had made ceaseless efforts to end the senseless slaughter of innocent men, women and children in Viet Nam. U Thant’s plan for peace in Viet Nam conformed to world opinion and “we hope that it may be possible to implement the scheme of U Thant with any small modifications if necessary.” Dr. Radhakrishnan said U Thant being a true Buddhist aimed at peace without victory or defeat for either side but with reconciliation. Dr. Radhakrishnan said U Thant was a great servant of peace and understanding and paid a special tribute to Buddhist humanism, to which U Thant subscribed, as expressive of “the universality of all mankind”. U Thant was the recipient of handsome tributes from the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the External Affairs Minister, Mr. M.C. Chagla, besides the President for his “tireless quest for peace.” A portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru adorned the dais on which were seated along with the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and U Thant, members of the jury which had selected the U.N. Secretary-General as the first recipient of the unique honour. The dais was fringed with potted ferns and other evergreens interspersed with white and orange sword lilies and red sandstone statuettes. The Prime Minister pledged India’s full support to the United Nations in its work for world peace. Explaining the ideals for which Mr. Nehru stood, the Prime Minister said, “Love of freedom and peace in the world linked U Thant and Mr. Nehru together.”