New Delhi: Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest names in world history, a legendary person who fought against tremendous racism once prevalent in South Africa. He endured extreme hardship during his fight but ultimately gained victory, bringing South Africa out of the dark age of Apartheid. Every year on July 18, Mandela Day is celebrated all over the world to honour the life and legacy of this great man. The day provides an opportunity for every person, community, and organisation to reflect on the principles and values of Mandela and to learn from them to make a positive impact in their communities.
How did the day begin?
In November 2009, the United Nations officially declared the day and the first UN Mandela Day was held next year on July 18, the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela. However, after the UN declarations, various organisations started to celebrate Mandela Day on July 18, 2009. The day was not started with the intention of making it a public holiday but as a day to honour former South African President Nelson Mandela’s legacy and his values, through volunteering and community service.
During the first global celebration of the day in 2009 which also marked the 91st birthday of Mandela, the the Nelson Mandela Foundation organised several art exhibits, fund-raising, and volunteer and educational events leading up to a concert at Radio City Music Hall on July 18. In November 2009, the UN General Assembly formally declared July 18 to be ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’. In 2014, the UNGA started the Nelson Mandela Prize, a quinquennial award to felicitate those people who spent their lives serving humanity.
During his fight against racism in South Africa, Mandela spent 27 years in prison. In December 2015, the UN GA adopted through a unanimous decision to adopt the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Also, the UNGA decided that the rules would be called the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ to honour the legacy of the late South African President who spent his entire life fighting for the rights of the downtrodden and the marginalised.
Every year on July 18, Mandela Day is celebrated all over the world to honour the life and legacy of this great man. The day provides an opportunity for every person, community, and organisation to reflect on the principles and values of Mandela. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
