I am shocked with the passing away
of Nelson Mandela, the towering figure of the world. He was 95. I am neither a
politician nor a remarkable figure but his passing away makes me feel
horror-struck because I had the honour
of shaking hand with him and he was remarkably a great statesman solely
devoting his life for the sake of democracy and freedom in South Africa and
around the world. I had the privilege of
covering the news of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s visit to the Non
Alignment Movement (NAM) Summit held in Durban of South Africa in 1998. ‘Shaking
hand with Mandela’ is a glorious moment of my life. He is a towering political
figure, respected and revered not only in South Africa but around the world for
his commitment and sacrifice for the sake of democracy and freedom.
No any political leaders of the
modern day world match up with Mandela after Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther
King. He is the symbol of principles and sacrifice and sense of responsibility.
Despite spending 27 years in infamous prison Robin Island during the apartheid era
in South Africa, he did not take revenge to his captors- the white rulers
despite public outrage to arrest and take action against them. He set an example
of tolerance in politics and reconciliation became a guideline to those who are
aspiring to be leader. His principle for democracy and free society is the
example around the world. He is the most respected and the most courageous
leader of the globe.
He sacrificed everything – 27 years
in prison, his previous wife after she was accused of wrong doing and devoted
his entire life for the principle of democracy, freedom and most importantly
making reconciliation with the white rulers. He suffered, he struggled and ultimately
he succeeded to achieve what he was fighting for-freedom in South Africa. Mandela will be remembered for many generation
as an exemplary leader of bravery, courage, principles and sacrifice.
I have a high opinion of Mandela
for his values and principles for freedom, democracy and tolerance. I also revered him for his reverence to Nepal.
Before the inaugural session of NAM summit in Durban, Mandela had received 114
leaders of the world. I was the witness
of that event at the Durban conference centre, and among them he shook hand
firmly and spent a few seconds/ minutes with five leaders. Girija Prasad Koirala was among them and
others were Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Cuban leader Fidel
Castro, Palestine leader Yasser Arafat and president of Colombia who was then
the chair of NAM. Mandela giving time to
Koirala was a respect for Nepal’s newly restored democracy. Nepalese politicians must learn from the life
of Nelson Mandela. He is an inspiring leader and we must learn his values and
principles to make our life meaningful.
I pay tribute to this towering figure
of the world.
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