The last Gandhian: The world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela

mangaloretoday.com

South Africa, Dec 6: The world grappled with the loss of South Africa’s beloved Nelson Mandela, a towering figure of the 20th century who inspired millions across the globe with his struggle for equality.

Mandela’s Rainbow Nation awoke to a future without its 95-year-old founding father after the country’s first black president died at his Johannesburg home, surrounded by friends and family.

As his compatriots paid lively tributes to the revered anti-apartheid hero with flowers, songs and dance, countries around the world united in an outpouring of emotion, pondering his legacy and remembering key moments in the Nobel Peace laureate’s astonishing life.

 

 

Surrounded by family members during his 92nd birthday celebrations in Johannesburg on July 18, 2010

Draped in flags, South African football shirts, and even their pyjamas and dressing gowns, hundreds of mourners took to the streets around the Johannesburg house of the former South African president as news broke of the death of the man who gave them freedom.

Indian leaders including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also mourned Mandela’s death.

Fneral plans have been set in motion in South Africa following Mandela’s death and it has been announced that his funeral will be held on Sunday on December 15 in Quino, the village where the great leader grew up.

From December 11 to 13, the anti-apartheid hero’s body will lie in state in a glass-topped coffin at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The 12-day state memorial is expected to be an unparalleled event in South Africa’s history, drawing a plethora of foreign dignitaries of every stripe, royals and a smattering of celebrities. Desmond Tutu, a long-time friend of Mandela is expected to hold the service.

Mandela spent 27 years in an apartheid prison before becoming president and unifying his country with a message of reconciliation. His efforts to heal his country after its long history of division made him one of the world’s most loved leaders, viewed by millions as a secular saint.





Rajiv Gandhi and Natwar Singh with Mandela in 1990. Mandela asked Rajiv about the situation in India

The Mandelas were living outside Windhoek. It was a sparkling day. Mr. Mandela asked Rajiv about the situation in India. Rajiv gave a masterly overview of the Indian scene.

He then asked Mandela about the challenges he faced. Mandela’s first priority was reconciliation, peace and goodwill. It was breathtaking.

The man had spent 27 years in jail - the first 18 in brutal and harsh condition. Yet he spoke without rancour. This was straight out of Gandhi’s book. The next challenge was the land problem. Three fourths was owned by the Whites. This would take time to solve but solved it would be. I listened with fascination. Mandela and Rajiv connected. Mandela’s ease of manner, dignity and serenity made a profound and lasting impression on me. Mandela leaves a vacant place across the sky. It is unlikely to be filled for centuries to come.

The writer is a former external affairs minister and an acclaimed author