NELSON MANDELA

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela’s death, the world has lost an irreplaceable icon. Mandela was a role model and an inspiration, across race and religion, a man who spent nearly three decades in prison fighting racial hatred and who epitomized the world courage” The world has lost one of its finest human beings and tallest leaders. His relationship with India has always been special and it would be no exaggeration to call him the Mahatma of Africa. He will always inspire us to free ourselves of hatred, anger and prejudice. He fought for human rights. He belongs to the whole world. His words “ I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities and I  dare ot linger, for my long walk is not yet ended” epitomize his life. He will be remembered for ever. He spent a large part of his life in prison cells, walking down the lonely road. It is hard to imagine that a person could be imprisoned for 27 years just for seeking justice and equality for his people. It is scary that this happened in the 20th century, and not during the dark ages.

It is not only South Africa but the whole world that has lost its great son Nelson Mandela. What a life Nelson Mandela led and what a great contribution he made to world peace and the universal struggle against injustice. He has left behind a treasure of human values from which our entire mankind can learn lesions and use. The man who inspired millions of people has left the world. This South Africa leader was synonymous with freedom and human values. All across Africa and the world people turned to Mandela as an inspiration of public service and leadership. Mandela’s contribution to black-white conciliation are well-known,but what  is his tireless work to fight AIDS.

Indian Parliament on Friday6th December, 2013 paid rich tributes to the former African president Nelson Mandela. The government also announced a five day state mourning as a mark of respect for the anti apartheid icon. The national flag would be flown half mast until December 10 throughout the country and there would be no official entertainment. Indian president Mr. Mukharji said “President Mandela was a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration for humanity. He was a great friend of India and his contribution for strengthening the close ties between our two countries will be always remembered.

Prof. John Kurakar