Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela International Day History

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually to mark the birthday of the South African anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. The day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, with the aim to promote Mandela's legacy of peace, reconciliation, and social justice. It is a day to celebrate his life and achievements and to inspire people around the world to contribute to making the world a better place.

In India, Nelson Mandela International Day is observed with great enthusiasm and respect. The day is celebrated to honor the memory of Nelson Mandela and to promote his message of peace and unity. The Indian government and various organizations and institutions organize various events and activities to mark the day, including seminars and conferences, exhibitions, cultural programs, and community service activities.

India has strong ties with South Africa, and Nelson Mandela is revered as a hero in India. There is a deep admiration for his dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy, and his commitment to social justice and equality. His legacy continues to inspire Indians, especially the younger generation, to work towards creating a better and more just society. Nelson Mandela International Day serves as a reminder of the values he stood for and the impact he had on the world. Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on July 18th.

Facts about Nelson Mandela Day

• Nelson Mandela had six children.
• Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and ended up spending over 27 years in prison. He was eventually released from prison due to secret talks he had with the president of South Africa at the time, F.W. de Klerk.
• Nelson Mandela was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and often spoke about him as a major influence in his life. The nonviolent resistance used by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule influenced Mandela's resistance against apartheid in South Africa.
• Mandela called India his second home and was an honorary member of the Indian Parliament's Rajya Sabha.

In the News and Trending in India for Nelson Mandela Day

Top things to do in India for Nelson Mandela Day

• Devote 67 minutes of your day to helping others (volunteering, helping mom, cleaning, etc.). For 67 years, Nelson Mandela fought for humanity and on every July 18th, Mandela's birthday, the UN and the NMF ask citizens of the world to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others.
• Nominate someone or an organization that you think serves every day. If you think they make a positive change in your community you can nominate those you think deserve acknowledgement as a Madiba Change Maker by sharing their stories on social media with the hashtag #Time2Serve.
• Watch Goodbye Bafana (2007). Based on the memoirs of James Gregory, a prison guard who was responsible for overseeing Mandela during his time at Robben Island, this film offers a unique perspective on Nelson Mandela's life in prison and his relationship with his captor. Dennis Haysbert stars as Mandela in this film.
• Read Nelson Mandela: A Life in Photographs by David Elliot Cohen and John D. Battersby