Why Celebrating International Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July

Nelson Mandela, the first Black President of South Africa (1994-1999), has left an impact in this world which is impeccable. The ways of his leadership are still inspirations to many young leaders. His moral authority is overpowering and he was an extraordinary human being. He was not only a remarkable politician but also a philanthropist. His fairness and intolerance towards racist Institution of apartheid got him imprisoned for 27 years but he did not step away from his beliefs.

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Life Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, also known by the name Madiba was born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18, 1918, and died on December 5, 2013. His contribution in the early 1990s with the support of South African President, F.W. De Klerk resulted in the successful end of the apartheid system of racial discrimination. Both of them were awarded Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 for their remarkable contribution to eliminating colonialism.

Primarily he was a stern believer of nonviolent protest, but he later became a militant, who was the co-founder of a group targeting bombings on the government officials. When the government came to know about this, he was sentenced to life-time imprisonment. He spent 27 years in jail. His release was appealed by an international campaign and granted in 1990.

People were concerned that after getting out of prison, Mandala might want to create havoc to drive the white people away. But his transition was surprising, he wanted peace and not more bloodshed. He was an ideal to his people and he lived up to that honor. He is lovingly called Madiba, which is the name of his Xhosa clan and symbolic of great honor.

He is an icon in the history and people will never forget his contribution in converting the oppressive apartheid government to black-majority rule.

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International Nelson Mandela Day

Every year on 18th July, we celebrate International Nelson Mandela Day. This is a way to honour the global icon. The idea that is celebrated and reminded is that any individual can be the first one to break the norm and do something which seemed impossible. Everyone holds the power to make a difference and transform the world.

18th July was officially declared the Mandela day in November 2009 by the United Nations. The first time this day was celebrated was in 2010. This day urges people to come together and bring a solution for poverty, promote non-violence and peace, give chance to reconciliation and accept cultural diversity.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation had issued a statement urging people to spend 67 minutes of their time as an honour to the 67 years of Nelson Mandela fought for the rights of humanity. The 67 minutes should be spent in supporting any charity or serving your local community.

Significance of 46664 to Nelson Mandela

In the year 1964, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for the second time on Robben Island. He was the 466th prisoner to be imprisoned that year. For a very long time, until 1982, his prison number remained 466/64. Then he was transferred to Pollsmoor prison.

But this number became significant as 38 years later Mandela gave this number to a campaign which shared his idealism and views on preventing global HIV/AIDS and raising awareness. 46664 standard operating from 2002 as an independent, non-profit organization.

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Nelson Mandela’s connection with India

Although Nelson Mandela and Gandhi never met in life, both their journeys started from South Africa where they could not tolerate the racial discrimination embarked upon black and brown people.

The coincidences between the two leaders cannot be unnoticed. Both of them were lawyers and had to serve time in jail. Mandela was highly impressed by the principles of Ahimsa, introduced by Mahatma Gandhi. They both played an integral part in leading the anti-apartheid movement with non-violence.

He considered Gandhi as his role model and political guru. Mandela was mesmerized by the morality, simplicity, and love for the poor showing by the Mahatma and had never stopped from mentioning him and giving credits.

After being released from prison in 1990, Mandela first visited India. That was the time when the Government of India honoured Nelson Mandela with Bharat Ratna award, known to be India’s highest civilian honour.

Due to the closeness of the two countries, we had developed a great bond over groupings like IBSA and BRICS. Mandela often visited India and also invited Indian officials over to South Africa to make this bond stronger. He loved and respected Mahatma Gandhi so much that he had set up Gandhi Memorial in South Africa in 1993.

Mandela Day celebration in India

This day is celebrated with the slogan after taking action inspiring change and celebrating every day as a Nelson Mandela Day. Every individual can make a difference and become an inspiration to others if he/she doesn’t allow fear to be a hindrance. This is a call to the people from around the globe to understand their inner ability and spread positivity.

The principles and values of Mandela surrounding the concepts like democracy, diversity, freedom, respect and reconciliation are remembered and celebrated on this day. Many organizations arrange for activities like volunteering, education, art, music, culture, sports, etc. The campaign 46664 is also celebrated on Nelson Mandela day.

Nelson Mandela has quoted, “I learnt that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”