Every second there are births or deaths in
this world - from poor to rich, from unknown to well-known, but there have not
been many instances in the world's history where one person has left such an
impression globally. There has not been such a unity worldwide in honouring an
individual on his passing away. This is the charisma of Nelson Mandela or
fondly known as Madiba.
After suffering for 27 years in jail, that
too for a fight which was beyond him and his family, he fought back to reach
the pinnacle. A journey from prisoner to president is heart-warming. It is
laden with endless pains and struggles, and provides a lesson on how to
overcome such challenges while still retaining your sanity and dignity. Undoubtedly, it was an extremely long walk towards freedom!
Historically, there are three people who
fought self-less battles for social causes and are remembered with respect
beyond the boundaries where they were born or lived. These are : Martin Luther
King, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
With more than 70 heads of state confirmed to
arrive in South Africa this week to attend the memorial service and funeral of
the late Nelson Mandela, the former president's funeral could surpass in
numbers what was considered to have been the biggest gathering of heads of
state outside of the United Nations – the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
Special relationship between Nelson Mandela
and India
Indian government's announcement of a
five-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela, is just one of
several gestures that reflect strong ties between India and South Africa, with
Nelson Mandela in particular.
Nelson Mandela's special place in the hearts
of Indians were officially recognised in 1990, when he was
awarded India's highest and most prestigious
civilian honour Bharat Ratna, or the "Jewel of India"
award. Bharat Ratna has been one awarded to Mother Teresa in 1980. She was
a naturalised Indian citizen. Apart from Nelson Mandela, there is only on more
non-Indian recipient of this coveted award. He is Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
He was awarded in 1987.
On the 50th anniversary of India's
independence, Mandela affirmed the powerful connection between the
anti-colonial liberation movements in India and South Africa. These were his
words:-
"History books in both our countries
will forever record India's Independence as a date of enormous significance. It
was not just a victory for the people of India but for all those under colonial
rule. It inspired and encouraged other liberation struggles around the world.
But it is especially significant to South Africans.... As a younger sibling,
democratic South Africa continues to learn from the experience of India."
Nelson Mandela was an avowed Gandhian. During his visit
to Ahmedabad in 1995, he said:- "I could never reach the standard of
morality, simplicity and love for the poor set by the Mahatma. While Gandhi was
a human without weaknesses, I am a man of many weaknesses." These words
Let's just close our eyes and bow our heads to pay tribute, in true Indian style, to our beloved Madiba!
A humble tribute to Nelson Mandela : by Rajesh Nagpal.
