The death of anti-aparthied icon Nelson Mandela has been mourned world wide. He died at his home in Johannesburg in South Africa last night.
Mandela led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison. He was hospitalized in June this year with a recurring lung infection. He was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria. He moved to his home in September and his condition continued to be critical. Mandela received intensive care by doctors from his home in Johannesburg.
South African President Jacob Zuma said, Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast until the funeral. Mandela's body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the funeral is likely to take place next Saturday. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
The President Pranab Mukherjee while mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, said he was an icon of inspiration for humanity and a great friend of India. The President said that Mandela was a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration for humanity.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, a giant among men has passed away. Dr Singh said, this is as much India's loss as South Africa's and as he was a true Gandhian. He said, Mandela's life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come.
Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today as a mark of respect to the memory of Nelson Mandela. As soon as the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha met for the day, members observed silence in honour of the departed leader.
In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar was joined by leaders of all political parties paying tributes to Mandela describing him as an apostle of humanity. Leader of the House and Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde described Mandela as an outstanding leader against apartheid. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said, Mandela redefined courage with his leadership. He broke the barriers of hatred to unite the people of South Africa. Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said, Mandela will remain immortal.
In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari described Mandela as one of the greatest personalities representing the best of human spirit and values. He said, in the passing away of Mandela, the South African people have lost the father of their nation.
At the White House, a solemn President Barack Obama called Mr. Mandela an influential, courageous, and profoundly good human being. Mr. Obama reflected on how President Mandela inspired him and said, a free South Africa at peace is Mr. Mandela's greatest legacy.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mandela, saying a great light has gone out in the world. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed Mandela as a giant for justice who had inspired freedom movements the world over. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy called Mandela one of the greatest political figures of our times, while European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said, Mandela changed course of history for his people, country, continent and the world.
