Nelson Mandela International Day,नेल्सन मंडेला अंतर्राष्ट्रीय दिवस

Nelson Mandela International Day: A Day to Honor a Legacy of Peace and Freedom

“It is easy to break and destroy. The brave are those who make peace and build." These words of Nelson Mandela and his thinking behind it inspired him and his comrades to make South Africa a democracy. In view of his struggle for freedom and peace, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was the first president of a completely independent and democratic South Africa. Who fought a lot for the freedom, peace, equal human rights and problems like apartheid and poverty of their country, South Africa. Nelson Mandela's birthday, 18 July, is celebrated as "Nelson Mandela International Day" every year, keeping in mind his efforts to improve society and the world. This International Day was first announced by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2009. The first Nelson Mandela International Day was observed on 18 July 2010, and has been observed every year since then. This day is also known as "67 minutes", here 67 minutes means that on this day everyone should work for the welfare of the world and mankind for 67 minutes. These 67 minutes show the work done by Nelson Mandela for 67 years for South Africa's freedom, peace and removal of various social evils.

“I cherish the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all individuals live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal I  hope to live for and achieve. But if need be, I am ready to die for it."

Nelson Mandela was a great man who played a crucial role in liberating South Africa from apartheid. In ending apartheid policies and creating new policies, National Party politician F. W. De Klerk helped Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela and F. W. De Klerk was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace work in 1993. He struggled for peace, justice, and equality throughout his life and inspired people all over the world. Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity for us to remember his life and work and to pledge to follow his ideals.

Mandela's Life and Legacy

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Transkei, South Africa. He studied law at the University of South Africa and worked as a lawyer. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and began fighting against apartheid.

He spent 27 years of his life in prison because of his tireless efforts in politics and activism to fulfill his lifelong dream of a free and fair society. Four years after his release from prison, he became the first black President of South Africa and was sworn in on 10 May 1994.

The ANC was a leading organization in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Mandela served as the president of the ANC and led the struggle against apartheid. He was imprisoned several times, but he never gave up the struggle.

“An ordinary man who became a leader because of extraordinary circumstances". The man whose name resonates with the anti-apartheid movement, equality, and freedom. His '*Long Walk To Freedom'* is an inspiration to many around the world.

 "Our march to freedom irreversible.
We must not allow fear to stand in our way." -     Nelson Mandela

Mandela was highly inspired by Gandhi's principle of non-violence and greatly respected Gandhian values. After the Nagasaki and Hiroshima blasts, he appealed to all and advocated non-violence. Both the leaders - Gandhi and Mandela were similar in their struggle against colonial oppression and are revered as "Father of the Nation" for India and South Africa respectively.

Mandela is considered one of the greatest symbols of peace and social justice. This event should be seen as a united global effort to honor his life's work and legacy. Even after he stepped down in 1999 after completing one term as President, he continued to impact the lives of many people through his works of philanthropy. He established the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund in 1995, the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation in 2003. He used to donate one-third of his salary as President every month to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.