Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated every year on July 18 to commemorate the world leader’s birthday. The day is celebrated to honour his life and legacy. Nelson Mandela International Day holds immense significance as it serves as a global call to action for individuals to engage in acts of community service and social activism. The day is dedicated to celebrating Mandela’s lifelong dedication to positive transformation on a global scale.
In November 2009, the United Nations officially designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. According to reports the initiative was inspired from Nelson Mandela’s powerful message in 2008, where he asked the younger generation to take up responsibilities of leading the fight against global social injustice, mentioning that it is in their hands now.
Reportedly, the theme of International Nelson Mandela Day for the year 2023 is, ‘The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food and Solidarity. The theme aims to call for action, urging everyone to take concrete steps to address climate change and food insecurity and also to stand in solidarity with those who are most affected by these press issues.
Here are some popular quotes by the world leader:
Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies
One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen
Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front.
I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying
Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up
It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails
We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right
Things you must know about the world leader:
Nelson Mandela’s birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela. The name Nelson was given to him by his teacher in school.
He received his law degree in prison. The leader completed his graduation in law and received the degree in 1989 from University of South Africa during his last months in jail.
Nelson Mandela was reportedly forced to leave his village. As the leader was sent to jail during college, his reputation was sainted in his native village. When he returned to village, the king tried to force arranged marriage on him and hence he ran away from Johannesburg.
He established the first black law practice in South Africa with Oliver Tambo, his fellow ANC member.
Nelson Mandela was banned from moving out of the country due to his aggressive activities. He used fake identities to travel abroad and spread his message of peace in different countries.