O.N KOUL
According to Nelson Mandela, ”It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated across the world on 18th July to commemorate the great leader of not only of South Africa but of the whole world as well and the day is observed to celebrate his birth day. Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honor of Nelson Mandela ,celebrated each year on 18th july, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially and formally declared by UNO in November 2009,with first UN Mandela Day .It takes place in honor of the life and legacy of Mendela. The day is a call for action for individuals ,communities and organizations .On 18th July every year we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities .Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change .Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity -as a human rights lawyer ,a prisoner of conscience ,an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa .On November 2009,in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom ,UN General Assembly declares 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day .Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in conflict resolution ,race relations ,promotion and protection of human rights ,reconciliation ,gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups ,the fight against poverty, promotion of social justice .The resolution acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world .In December 2015 -the General Assembly decided to extend the scope of Nelson Mandela International Day to also be utilized in order to promote humane conditions of imprisonment ,raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society ,and to value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance .General Assembly resolution A/RES/70/175 not only adopted the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of Prisoners ,but also approved that they should be known as the ”Nelson Mandela Rules” in order to honor the legacy of the late President of South Africa ,who spent 27 years in jail in the course of his struggle for end to apartheid .Nelson Mandela all through his life struggled for global human rights ,equality, democracy ,and the promotion of a culture of peace and human dignity .General Assembly resolution A/RES/70/175 adopts the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners and approves that they should be known as the” Nelson Mandela Rules ”in honor of the legacy of the late president of South Africa and the world .On this day people reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. The day is celebrated every year to honor birthday of a man whose actions and struggle transformed the 20th century .Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest personalities and awe -inspiring leaders ,one who gave a new meaning to revolution .In recognition of his services to humanity ,and to pay homage to the great leader Nelson Mandela Day is observed globally on 18 every year .As a mark of respect and gratitude our enthusiastic Indianites also shared in the tributes to the great leader. Mandela played an indispensible role in bringing freedom to a nation that lived in the shadow of racism and white oppression and he fought against the apartheid throughout his life and won as he was successful in ending racism and apartheid in South Africa. This year the theme of Nelson Mandela Day is ,”It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality ,”which resonates deeply with Mandela’s lifelong commitment to social justice .Every year on July 18,the world comes together to honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela ,a titan of human rights and symbol of hope .Mandela Day is a truly global event ,transcending borders and cultures .It is more than a commemoration .It is an international call to action ,urging individuals and communities worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes to serving others .While significant strides have been made since his time ,the challenges of poverty and inequality persist .The gap between the rich and the poor widens ,and millions still lack necessities .Mandela Day 2024 presents a unique opportunity to address these pressing issues .We can contribute to a more just and equitable world through volunteering,supporting educational initiatives ,protecting our planet ,and fostering unity. The number 67 minutes on Mandela Day is directly linked to Nelson Mandela’s life of service .It represents the 67 years he dedicated to public service in the fight against apartheid and for racial equality in South Africa. This symbolic gesture encourages people and communities worldwide to contribute 67 minutes to volunteer work or acts of kindness .It is a tangible way to honor Mandela’s legacy and to make a positive impact on society .In short on this international Day we should dedicate ourselves to the legacy of the great leader and work to strengthen democracy ,equality ,social justice and end to the racial discrimination and apartheid from the world and this will be the good tribute to this mass leader on the Nelson Mandela International Day this year .There can be no befitting tribute to Nelson Mandela that the fact that he is held in great esteem next only to Gandhi by the world . Let us all remember this great leader and tread the path shown by him so that there is no discrimination and inequality in the world.