M A I N   N E W S

Indira Gandhi peace prize presented to Liberian President
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

living inspiration A Nobel Laureate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first democratically elected woman head of Liberia and is currently serving a second term in office She has been honoured for serving as an example and an inspiration for ensuring the return of peace, democracy, development, security and order in her tiny West African nation President Sirleaf has been a powerful voice for conflict resolution, harmony, peace and democracy in Africa. Beyond Liberia’s own borders, these very ideals form the cornerstone of her efforts towards enhanced regional integration as an important vehicle for economic growth and social stability — Pranab Mukherjee, President

New Delhi, September 12
President Pranab Mukherjee today presented the 2012 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

She was honoured for serving as an example and an inspiration for ensuring the return of peace, democracy, development, security and order in her tiny West African nation.

The award was conferred on her at a function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. A Nobel Laureate, Sirleaf is the first democratically elected woman head of Liberia and is currently serving a second term in office.

Speaking on the occasion, President Mukherjee said as the first woman elected to lead an African nation, President Sirleaf was an inspiration to women who seek and work for building peaceful and prosperous communities that enable the development of an informed empowered and productive citizenry.

“Her outstanding leadership and remarkable vision has earned her international recognition,” he said.

“President Sirleaf has been a powerful voice for conflict resolution, harmony, peace and democracy in Africa. Beyond Liberia’s own borders, these very ideals form the cornerstone of her efforts towards enhanced regional integration as an important vehicle for economic growth and social stability,” he added.

In his address, the PM said the remarkable story of President Sirleaf was a reminder of the timeless truth that an enterprising human spirit driven by a great moral cause could overcome any adversity and challenge.