Indians on Saturday paid special tribute to Nelson Mandela, referring to him as a true follower of the principles of non-violent protest, pioneered by Mahatma Ghandi.
Nelson Mandela, former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary, passed away aged 95 on Thursday at his home in Johannesburg.
The Nobel laureate had been fighting a recurring lung infection for nearly a year.
Dailymail UK reports that outside his old house on Vilakazi Street, Soweto, people gathered in large numbers to mourn the loss of their Madiba, his Xhosa clan name. Some held the national flag and a few draped it around them as they sang praises of the revered statesman, reported Reuters. One of the songs was called “Mandela you brought us peace.”
Mandela’s death comes at a time when his country has been reeling from violent protests against poverty, crime rate, unemployment and corruption scandals under the leadership of South African President Jacob Zuma.
Mandela’s connection with India was strong. As a strong follower of Gandhi’s teachings, he was awarded the International Gandhi Peace Price in 2001 for his peace-making efforts by the Indian government.
He was the second foreign recipient of the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award. After his release in prison, where he spent nearly 25 years for his anti-apartheid efforts, Mandela often visited India and invited Indian dignitaries to South Africa.
Below are statements released by some Indian leaders and celebrities on the death of Nelson Mandela:
Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister: “A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul.”
Narendra Modi, NDA prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat CM: “RIP Nelson Mandela. The world has lost an apostle of peace & non-violence who redefined the journey of his nation for the good of humankind. Many of us are not fortunate to see Gandhi alive. We are blessed to see the life of Nelson Mandela, who embodied his values & ideals. My heartfelt condolences to Nelson Mandela’s family & the people of South Africa. We stand by them in this hour of grief.”
Sonia Gandhi, Congress president: “He was a beloved figure in India, one of the first countries he visited in 1990. He belonged to the entire humanity.”
Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor: “Nelson Mandela – a giant of a man ; of will, belief and perseverance, passes away, but leaves behind a legacy of fight for right !! I had the greatest honor to meet and spend time with him on two occasions! His humility his greatest asset, among countless others!
Ramachandra Guha, Historian and Author of ‘India After Gandhi’: “Nelson Mandela was, next only to Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest person of the 20th century. In some ways he was more likeable than Gandhi. Mandela has strong Indian connections: he knew Gandhi’s son Manilal, and was a close friend of Yusuf Cachalia, son of a friend of Gandhi’s. Mandela is usually compared to Gandhi, but in fact the politician he most admired Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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