Brazil Prez., Kenyan peace activist to get Nehru Awards

New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for 2006 will be given to Brazilian President Luiz Nacio Lula da Silva for strengthening India-Brazil relations.

The award for 2005 will be conferred on Prof (Ms) Wangari M Maathai, Kenyan peace activist, for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environment conservation.

The decisions were taken here today at a meeting of the jury chaired by Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

''Besides being a world leader, President Lula has contributed immensely towards strengthening bilateral relations between India and Brazil,'' an official statement said.

Prof Maathai, who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, is internationally recognised for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environment protection, the statement added.

UNI