— Photo: S. Subramanium

GREAT HONOUR: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding 2006 to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh looks on, in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva on Monday made out a strong case for inclusion of "great nations of the South" in international decision-making bodies as it was crucial for the creation of a representative and just world order.

Addressing a gathering here after receiving the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, Mr. Lula said India and Brazil stood to gain from collaborative action.

The two countries should intensify their existing partnership to find common solutions to the "challenges that still hold back our economic and social progress," he said. "We shall increase our economic and social cooperation, invest in each other and encourage the growth of trade."

Stating that Brazil admired India's unity in diversity, Mr. Lula referred to his own country's efforts to build a multi-cultural society. In particular, he was appreciative of India's secularism.

"This India that Nehru helped found fascinates the world primarily because of its diversity," he said while stating that he was struck by the proximity at which a mosque, a temple, a church and a gurdwara were located in Old Delhi.

Earlier, after presenting the award, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said Brazil and India could work together in the evolution of a National Prosperity Index, which can be used by many nations as a true measure of the prosperity and well-being of a nation. Hailing Mr. Lula as "one of the foremost leaders of Latin America" and "one of the leading personalities on the world stage," Mr. Kalam saluted him for bringing macro-level economic stability to Brazil while following people-friendly policies.

Giving details about the award, instituted in 1965, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said the Brazilian President had been selected in recognition of his steadfast commitment to the eradication of poverty and hunger.

The award is administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Some of its earlier recipients include Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela.

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