Suu Kyi conferred on Mahatma Gandhi Peace award

Durban:The pro-democracy Myanmar leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been felicitated with Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation here. The award was bestowed by the South African-based Mahatma Gandhi Foundation at a function at the Durban City Hall last night.

Burmese Prime Minister in exile, Thien Win received the award on her behalf which was presented by South African Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim. Bestowing the award, Paddy Kearney, a trustee of the Foundation, said the award was being given on July 20 because it represents the 20th anniversary of Suu Kyi''s house arrest by the military junta in her country.

"She is a non-violent leader in the mould of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. The award is in recoginition of her strong commitment to non-violence, justice and peace," he said.

We are not sure whether she knows about this award but what we can tell you that our chairperson Ela Gandhi, had sent a letter to the Burmese ambassador in Pretoria and it was returned without being opened, he added. Kearney said that South Africa fully supports Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmarese people in their struggles.

Source: yahoo

Mandela to celebrate a quiet 91st birthday tomorrow

As South Africans plan to set aside 67 minutes of their time in community service as a symbolic tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela on his 91st birthday, the noble laureate will spend the day at home with close friends and family.

The Resource Development Manager at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Ruth Rensburg said, Mr. Mandela will be spending July 18, as he has in recent years, at home surrounded by friends, family and comrades.

The South African government has asked people in this country and the world to pay tribute to Mr. Mandela's life by spending 67 minutes of their time in the service of others.

Sixty-seven refers to the 67 years that Mr. Mandela had dedicated while fighting for freedom and rights.

"This day is symbolic in terms of the commitment he showed in his life and he hopes people work not only on Mandela Day, but every day in their communities to uplift those in need," Ms. Rensburg said.

Mr. Mandela himself in a recorded interview said: "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.

Mandela Day will not be a holiday, but a day devoted to service."