Former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela died on Thursday at his home in Johannesburg. He was 95 and was suffering from lung infection.
Anti-apartheid hero Mandela fought for justice and racial reconciliation and spent 27 years in jail. Mandela was the first-ever elected black president in South Africa, ending whites-only rule in 1994.
South African president, Jacob Zuma, broke the news on television.
“Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” Zuma said adding, “Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love.”
In his tribute Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, “A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul.”
US President Barack Obama said the world had lost “one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth”.
“Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him,” he added.
“Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration. Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Gandhi-follower Nelson Mandela was great friend to India. When he was released from jail in 1990, India conferred him with its highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’, three years before he received Nobel Prize.
World has lost a true leader today. May God Rest His Soul In Peace.
(Additional info from Reuters)
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