Nelson Mandela International Day

Dearest friends

Yesterday the 18^th of July, we celebrated the "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

The world recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice.

Every year on 18 July — the day Nelson Mandela was born — the UN encourages individuals around the world to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities.

Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better, and Mandela Day is an occasion for everyone to take action and inspire change.

(http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/)

Have a great day.

Kam

This day in history

My dearest friends

It is on the 10^th of May 1994 that Nelson Mandela was instated as the First Black President of South Africa.

He served as the first democratically elected President from 1994 to 1999, however his political activism began after 1948 with an initial commitment to non-violent mass struggle.

Later, his anti-apartheid activities led to his imprisonment for nearly 30 years in the iconic Robben Island.

Released in 1990, he was elected president of the African National Congress and represented it in the turbulent negotiations that led to the establishment of majority rule.

Mandela lifetime effort was recognized by the world and he rightly awarded the joint Nobel Peace Prize with de Klerk

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela's birthday, 18 July, as "Mandela Day", marking his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle.

Awarded also is the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Order of Canada, he was the first living person to be made an honorary Canadian citizen.

Wish you all a great day.

Kamlesh