On Nelson Mandela International Day, the world honours the contributions of Nelson Mandela to South Africa and towards the concept of freedom for all the world’s people, regardless of superficial characteristics like skin colour, educational and income levels. By negotiating an end to apartheid and unjust racial segregation, not only did Nelson Mandela inspire South Africans to shine bright and look at life in new ways, including conquering all their fears and demanding equal rights, he also left an indelible mark on the consciousness of the world with his inspiring real life story of unconditional love, compassion, empathy, patience and perseverance in the face of all odds.
Inspiration and Perseverance
After spending more than two decades in jail, while campaigning and fighting for the equal rights of all human beings, he was unanimously elected to be the President of South Africa. Despite being unfairly imprisoned for so long, he claimed that upon getting out and tasting the air and sunshine of freedom, he was left with no hate towards those who had wronged him. In fact, he felt only love and compassion despite what had happened to him. He said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
Perhaps, this quote can be applied by everyone on planet Earth, for it is the hatred, dislike, intolerance, jealousy, and anger that we feel towards other human beings that is the cause of much of the misery, suffering and anguish on Earth apart from the battle that human beings must fight to conquer natural elements around them on a daily basis. For if this quote is applied sincerely, this planet will be an ideal place to live in, maybe it would even be the paradise that we have always idealised that it should be.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideals
Nelson Mandela openly credited Mahatma Gandhi for being a huge influence on his outlook and philosophy towards life. Another famous quote of his reads, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Nelson Mandela International Day was declared by the United Nations as an official day in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.
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