The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and its global affiliates today join with other organizations, agencies, officials, groups, individuals and institutions worldwide in commemorating the100th birthday anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 — December 5, 2013). “We pay special homage and recognition of Mandela who was a non-violence anti-apartheid activist, politician and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999,” the body said in a statement.
Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1942, becoming actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his 20s. For 20 years, he directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies. Beginning in 1962, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for political offenses. In 1993, Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country’s apartheid system. For generations to come, Nelson Mandela will continue to be a source of inspiration for civil rights activists worldwide.
Nelson Mandela achieved a smooth transition to majority rule in South Africa following the teachings of peace and reconciliation of Mahatma Gandhi. “The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela is that they were exemplars of the fundamental belief that the drivers of conflict are all amenable to non- violent solutions. The achievements of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela demonstrate that the outcome of non-violent change, achieved through persuasion rather than coercion, are durable.”
Nelson Mandela was a towering icon of peace, patience, tolerance and forgiveness that paved the way for his immeasurable contributions to freedom and betterment for people in South Africa. He has inspired the world with his persistence, example and selfless service to his people despite overwhelming opposition and insurmountable odds. Mandela was a gift to the world, a remarkable man, a leader with unmatched courage, stamina, grace and dignity who will always be revered among the most admired and respected of people.
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity” – Nelson Mandela