Wangari Maathai

Friday, Mar 23, 2007

NEW DELHI : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam conferred the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding-2005 on Nobel laureate Wangari Muta Maathai at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Thursday.

Honouring ``one of the leading environmentalists of our times and a true friend of India,'' Mr. Kalam said: ``Prof. Maathai has evolved a movement with 600 community networks across Kenya and branches in 20 countries resulting in the plantation of over 31 million trees. Her mission has to spread to all parts of the planet. The award is in recognition of her persistent and courageous struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation."

The President said India values Prof. Maathai's involvement and contribution in furthering the relationship between the two countries.

Accepting the award, Prof. Maathai said she had always been inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. "Instead of using their position to enrich themselves, these leaders used their power to promote the cause of justice, equity and peace," said the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

``To live in peace, the governing bodies should respect human rights as well as give voice to the majority and minority as well to pre-empt conflicts.''

Prof. Maathai said the recognition had challenged her "to continue with a deep sense of service."

Chairman of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) jury, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said Prof. Maathai was the unanimous choice for the award that was instituted in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1965, a year after his death. "Prof. Maathai was the first woman from Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize and she is also the first woman from Africa to win the Jawaharlal Nehru Award," said the Vice-President.

President of ICCR Karan Singh said Prof. Maathai's Green Belt Movement has "transformed the lives of millions of people in Kenya and other east African countries."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Minister Shivraj Patil and other dignitaries were present at the function.

Prof. Maathai has now joined an illustrious league of leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and Indira Gandhi, who had won the award.