“I always thought I could speak till now, but language fails me, and I can only say that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Moment of being overcome by recognition after years of obscurity · Speech, at a public dinner in his honour (as reported) Gratitude Recognition Speech
“If, in my song or in my saying, there appears more of egotism than enough, how can I avoid it and speak at all?” On the necessity of personal narrative when telling one’s own story of hardship and song · Preface, Rhymes and Recollections of a Hand-Loom Weaver Authenticity Self Writing
