Sultan of Oman named for Jawaharlal Nehru Award

NEW DELHI: Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour al Said of Oman has been named for the 2004 Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, the government announced on Friday.

"The sultan has completely transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous state. He has emerged as a leader who is much loved and admired not only by his people but also by the entire region," said a statement issued by the award's jury.

Administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the award was instituted by the Indian government in 1965 as a tribute to late prime minister Nehru and his dedication to world peace and international understanding.

This award, including Rs. 2.5 million ($550,000) in cash and a citation, is given annually for outstanding contribution to promoting international understanding, goodwill and friendship among peoples of the world.

It is open to all people regardless of nationality, race, creed or sex, but an association, institution or organisation is not eligible.

According to the jury, the sultan helped Oman forge close ties with several countries, including India.

"Indo-Oman diplomatic relations, which are based on a shared vision to develop partnerships in the areas of politics, economics and culture, celebrated 50 years in 2005," the jury said.

Some previous recipients of the award have been Goh Chok Tong (2003), Aung San Suu Kyi (1993), Helmut Kohl (1990), Yasser Arafat (1988), Nelson Mandela (1979), Mother Teresa (1969) and Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan (1967).