African Nobel-laureate Wangari Maathai to receive Nehru Award

New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) Prof Wangari Muta Maathai of Kenya, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) and known for her zealous espousal of human rights, will be conferred the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for the year 2005 tomorrow.

President APJ Abdul Kalam will confer the award on Prof Maathai in the presence of Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries, at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Jury for the award, headed by Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, also decided to confer the award for the year 2006 on Brazilian President Luiz Nacio Lula da Silva.

Prof Maathai is internationally acclaimed for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation while President Lula has contributed immensely towards strengthening bilateral relations between India and Brazil.

Administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the award carries a trophy, citation and a cash amount of Rs 2.5 million and is given to eminent persons for their outstanding contribution to the promotion of international understanding, goodwill and friendship among peoples of the world.

Prof Maathai has been the recipient of several awards, including one of the most influential people in the world: Time Magazine, One of the 100 most powerful women in the world : Forbes Magazine, International Women's Hall of Fame, Global 500 Hall of Fame: United Nations Environment Programme, Women of the World Award and Women Aid, UK.

UNI