India gives prestigious peace prize to Liberian president

India Thursday awarded its coveted Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development Award to Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The award was conferred on the Liberian president by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at his official residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the national capital in a ceremony attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and ruling Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. "As the first woman elected to lead an African nation, President Sirleaf is an inspiration to women everywhere. President Sirleaf has been a powerful voice for conflict resolution, harmony, peace and democracy in Africa," President Mukherjee said. "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. Named after India's first woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the prestigious award is accorded annually to individuals or organizations in recognition of creative efforts toward promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is currently on a five- day state visit to India.