“Like, Mahatma (Gandhi), Mandela was a leader who belonged to all humanity, a towering beacon for all who cherish freedom, democracy and social justice” said Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President and UPA Chairperson while expressing her deep-felt condolences on the sad demise of anti-apartheid icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
“With the passing away of Nelson Mandela, the world is deprived of a luminous presence and a radiant spirit. Through the long years of his struggle for South Africa’s freedom—freedom from oppression, racial prejudice, inequality and poverty— Nelson Mandela redefined the meaning of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Over the 10,000 days he spent in a brutal prison, sacrificing 27 years of his life for the freedom of his people, his courage never wavered, nor did his conviction that his cause was just and true.
He emerged from his long incarceration with not a trace of bitterness or vengeance in his heart, only a renewed determination to erase the lethal legacy of apartheid, break down the barriers of hatred and distrust between whites and blacks, and unite South Africa’s people in a climate of reconciliation and harmony. Nelson Mandela always led from the front but, like a true leader, he had the gift of taking others along with him. His own courage was almost superhuman, yet he had the gift of inspiring others to acts of extraordinary heroism as well.
Like a true democrat, he voluntarily renounced political power and office after serving for five years as President of South Africa, even though his country pleaded with him to stay as their President for Life. In his retirement from public life, Madiba continued to be a figure of inspiration, support and hope for oppressed and marginalized people all over the world. His spirit remained indomitable and undimmed till the end. So did his moral authority, shining bright like a guiding star in a troubled world.”
“Mandela was a beloved figure in India and we felt deeply honoured that after his release from prison, India was one of the first countries he visited in 1990. He was awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ the highest honour that India can bestow, because we loved him and revered him. Because like Mahatma (Gandhi) who had inspired him, he was a leader who belonged to all humanity, a towering beacon for all who cherish freedom, democracy and social justice.
Today I join the millions of Indians in mourning his loss. We feel bereft as those we have lost a beloved father. We will be forever grateful that such a one as he walked this earth of ours. On behalf of my party and on my own behalf, I express my deep-felt condolences to Madeba’s family and to the people of South Africa”.
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