Today is International Nelson Mandela Day. The Day is a celebration of 67-year-long fight of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s fight against racial discrimination and human rights abuses.
AIR correspondent reports that Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity as an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected President of a free South Africa, a prisoner of conscience, and a human rights lawyer. He is known for his work towards empowering women and men regardless of their religion and ethnicity and promoting dialogue and solidarity for justice and lasting peace. In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN General Assembly declared 18th of July as Nelson Mandela International Day in its resolution in November 2009.
Nelson Mandela, who often dubbed the Gandhi of South Africa had a strong Indian connection. An avowed Gandhian, Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately also known around the world, always praised Gandhi for his principles of ‘Satya and Ahimsa’ and followed his philosophy. He chose the land of Gandhi as his first destination, whom he called his ‘political guru’ and a ‘role model.’
He first visited India in 1990 when he was released from jail after more than 27 years of leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Soon after Mandela’s release, the Government of India had honoured Mandela with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. As South Africa’s first black President from 1994 to 1999, Mandela drove close relations with India, and the two countries forged bonds over groupings like BRICS and IBSA.