Mr Mandela died last night after suffering for the past few months from respiratory problems
Kolkata police sergeant Guruprasad Banerjee, who acted as an escort to Nelson Mandela's convoy during his visit to Kolkata in October 1990, today recalled the legendary anti-apartheid activist as one of the most down to earth international dignitaries.
"You have done an excellent job young man. God bless you," Mr Mandela had told Mr Banerjee and hugged him, on the day when he left Kolkata.
The words and the gesture of an international leader like Mr Mandela, has been one of the most cherished memories of Mr Banerjee's career in police force.
It was just any other day for Mr Banerjee in October 1990, when he received a call from then DC (traffic) Gautam Mohan Chakraborty's office to report for duty immediately. He was told that he will lead Mr Mandel's escort convoy during his Kolkata visit.
"It was my first big assignment. I was then assigned as an escort sergeant to West Bengal Governor's convoy team," Mr Banerjee told PTI.
Mr Banerjee, who is now retired, remembered how Mr Mandela's convoy had passed through populated areas of Kolkata, where people were lined up on either side.
"While the convoy was moving, Mandela rolled down the window of his car and waved to the masses. He was very overwhelmed by the reception he received in Kolkata," said Mr Banerjee.
On the day when Mr Mandela was due to leave Kolkata, a make-shift helipad was created at Kolkata race course, from where he was scheduled to leave for the airport to board his aircraft, Mr Mandela shook hands with all the security personnel, from inspectors to the constables there and thanked them.
"It is a very rare gesture....I have been an escort sergeant to many dignitaries from former French president Francosis Mitterrand to Sri Lankan President, to Pope John Paul II to Hillary Clinton. But this was one of its kind experience," said Mr Banerjee.
Mr Mandela, 95, South Africa's first black President died early this morning in Johannesburg, throwing South Africa in a state of mourning with tributes pouring in from all corners of the world.