Nelson Mandela International Day

The unbiased leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, selflessly fought for the rights of black people. He spent 27 years in jail and after being released, he became the first black president of South Africa. His bravery speaks volumes louder about the power of facing struggles gracefully. In this blog, we will profoundly explore Nelson Mandela International Day, which is celebrated every year on the 18th of July to honour his legacy.

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“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” -Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela Biography

Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and a well-known anti-apartheid campaigner. He was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa. Mandela became a legendary figure in the struggle for human rights as a result of his lifetime fight against racial tyranny and segregation.

In the 1940s, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and began his political career. He promoted nonviolent protest, but as the government violently suppressed peaceful demonstrations, he got involved in armed protests. He was found guilty of sabotage and conspiracy to topple the apartheid government in 1964, and he was given a life sentence.

Mandela developed a reputation as a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle throughout his 27 years in prison. He continued to inspire and lead from behind bars despite being cut off from society. In 1990, the apartheid regime was finally compelled to free him as a result of external pressure and internal discontent.

Mandela was instrumental in securing the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa. He was elected as the nation’s first black president in 1994 and held the office through 1999. Mandela promoted a non-racial, democratic society by focusing on rapprochement, forgiveness, and unification.

Mandela continued to fight for social justice, human rights, and peace on a worldwide scale after leaving office. He formed the Nelson Mandela Foundation to uphold his legacy and further his principles. Mandela passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, leaving behind a significant legacy of tenacity, bravery, and unshakable dedication to justice.

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Facts About Nelson Mandela

• His birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela. The name “Nelson” was given by his primary school teacher.
• He continued his activism from prison. He mentored the prisoners and taught them about nonviolent resistance. 
• He was a consistent symbol of the anti-apartheid movement.
• He believed that sport “has the power to change the world… it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than the government in breaking down racial barriers.”
• He was 76 years old when he voted in an election in 1994. The same year he was elected president of South Africa. 

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Why do we Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day?

It is indeed a moment of honour when your legacy is commemorated even after death. Few people can reach this level. Nelson Mandela was one of those great personalities-

• Every year Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated on the 18th of July to honour the legacy of a legendary leader who brought about a revolution in the 20th and 21st centuries. This day is an opportunity for everyone to reflect upon themselves and imbibe the values of Nelson Mandela like courage, forgiveness, altruism, patience, and self-confidence.
• Nelson Mandela was a man of ethics, who lived a life beyond himself and devoted it to the upliftment of others. That speaks volumes louder that he had a heart of gold and a noble character.
• It is time for youth to pause and reflect upon their values and their involvement in community service. They must introspect how involved they are in making this world a better place and spreading happiness around themselves.
• Mandela Day is a worldwide call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to change the world, and the ability to make a difference.

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How is Nelson Mandela Day Celebrated?

Nelson Mandela International Day is not celebrated as a public holiday. Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated in a unique and impactful manner, which is elucidated below-

• Every year on July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day is observed. The United Nations officially declared Mandela Day in 2009 with a resolution in the General Assembly, and the first UN Mandela Day was held on July 18, 2010.
• Just like Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, people are encouraged to devote their 67 minutes on this day to community service and volunteering activities.
• The proactive involvement of heaps of people in such activities would make this world a better and more peaceful place to live.
• The UN General Assembly established the Nelson Mandela Prize in 2014, a quinquennial award recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.
• On this day, a lot of people perform charitable acts. The projects that were so dear to Nelson Mandela’s heart are supported by a number of organizations. Look for a charity that supports a cause you believe in and participates in that purpose.
• There are currently two significant hashtags connected to Nelson Mandela International Day. Use the hashtags #MandelaDay and #ActionAgainstPoverty to promote the worthwhile causes that are highlighted on this day.

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. -Nelson Mandela

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Theme 2023

Nelson Mandela Day is observed every year with a unique theme. “Climate, Food & Solidarity” is the theme of the 2023 Nelson Mandela International Day and it highlights some of the most pressing issues that the world’s citizens are now confronting. This year’s topic will be on eradicating poverty and inequality via combating climate change and developing sustainable agricultural systems.

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That was all about Nelson Mandela International Day. We hope that you all are fuelled by the inspiration to commit yourselves to community service. For more blogs on trending events, stay tuned to Leverage Edu.