Nelson Mandela: "African Gandhi" -- A Courageous Leader
We all know who is Nelson Mandela. He was African revolutionary who destroyed the partiality between black and white people of South Africa.
He was born on 18th July, 1918 in the village of Mvezo in South Africa. His mother's name was Nosekeni and Gadla Henry. In his childhood, his parents kept the name "Rolihlahla" which meant "naughty". But his school teacher changed his name to "Nelson".
He had completed his primary education in Clark Berry Missionary School. When Nelson Mandela was 12, his father died. He completed his further studies in Healdtown Collage. He had started fighting against the injustice for black from college only. He used to gather people, spread this message, due to which he was even removed from his college.
Be passionate. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."
Nelson Mandela thought, "Every man has two obligations. He has a duty towards his wife and children and an obligation to his people and country." In South Africa it was impossible for blacks like him to fulfil both these obligations. If any black tried to live like a free human being, posses freedom, he was punished and isolated. He was forced to live an isolated life – away from his family. He was forced to live a life of rebellion and secrecy.
Then, he joined African National Congress (AMC) which already doing the campaign against the injustice for blacks. In 1937, he was selected to a very hight post in AMC. Till now, many people have joined him and stepping towards their mission.
But in 1961, Mandela and his companions were accused as 'nation betrayal' and were jailed. Luckily, there were proved unguilty and leave from the jail.
But again on 5th August, 1952, he was accused as the cause of labour strike and was jailed. This case ran for 2 years and finally on 12th July, 1964, he was punished 'Lifetime Prison'.
He was punished in a very secured jail. But even there, his was not broken up instead, he also starting awaring the black prison about his rights. On the other side, his party also tried to remove him from the jail but they failed. He remained in this jail for 27 years!
Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again
Finally, in 1989, F. W. Clarke, a liberal minister, became the the president of the nation. On seeing Nelson, the struggle of blacks and the campaigns of his party, he banned the sanctions against the blacks. He also decided to remove all the people from jail who were not arrested for a very big case/reason like murder. So, On 1st February, 1990, Nelson Mandela and his arrested party members were released from jail.
Then, on 1994, Election held for the President in South Africa. This time, Non-white people could also participate in the election. Needless to say, Nelson Mandela took part in the Election and his party (ANC) made the government with majority.
A winner is dreamer who never gives up.
On 10th May, 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of Africa. He worked for the equality for the white and non-white people. He was very similar to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Nation [of India]. He also adopted the principles like non-violence and peace. That's why, he is also known as the "African Gandhi".
The decades of exploitation and oppression of the black produced heroes like Tambos, Sislus and others. These black heroes were men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. The greatest wealth of South Africa was not in its minerals and diamonds but in men of such great character.
Nelson Mandela was also honoured with the India's highest privileged award, Bharat Ratna in 1990. He was the second non-Indian person to get Bharat Ratna. The first person was Mother Teresa.
We must have the courage to fight with the injustice and inequality. We should never lose courage.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
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