Gandhi's granddaughter receives Padma Bhushan

Durban: Ela Gandhi, a former South African parliamentarian and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, received the Padma Bhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi yesterday. The award is India's third highest civilian honour.

Speaking to Gulf News, Gandhi said: "I am quite excited about it. I am receiving the award for propagating Gandhian ideas. This award means a lot, as it will give impetus to our activities here in South Africa. It is a singular honour for my organisation and my country, South Africa."

The 66-year-old Gandhi was an African National Congress lawmaker representing the Phoenix constituency in Kwa-Zulu Natal province from 1994-2004. She is the founder and chairperson of the Gandhi Development Trust and received the International Prize for Peace in 2002 from the Community of Christ, a US-based organisation, for her non-violent resistance to apartheid in South Africa.