File Photo: Late South African Revolutionary Nelson Mandela
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late South African revolutionary Nelson Mandela on his 96th birth anniversary on 18th July, calling it an occasion to reaffirm the commitment to work towards world peace.
"The beloved Madiba's work, ideals and principles continue to inspire us. He demonstrated the triumph of peace, equality and service," Mr Modi said.
'Nelson Mandela International Day' as declared by UN, is celebrated to immortalise Nelson Mandela who died in December 2013 at the age of 95. The Prime Minister said 'Mandela Day' is "not only a day to remember the great man himself but also to reaffirm our commitment to work towards world peace."
A joint venture of South African Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Indian High Commission - a month-long festival to celebrate the struggles of the former President, through a digital exhibition has kicked off in Johannesburg not only to strengthen the ties forged between India and South Africa but also to stage an array of Indian art forms and cultural activities that would be taken beyond the major cities of the country.
South Africans marked the red letter day by transforming humanitarian concerns to action. Paying special attention to cleanliness in public areas, cooking for the elderly at home, donating food and basic essentials magnanimously to the poor were some of the many good deeds people of Mandela indulged in to truly live up to his ideals and ideas.