Nelson Mandela International Day 2022: The day is celebrated worldwide to commemorate achievements of the anti-apartheid leader and to carry forward his legacy for a better future
On This Day: On July 18 1918, Nelson Mandela, who spent 28 years in prison between 1962 and 1990 for opposing South Africa’s apartheid system, was born on in Mvezo, South Africa. On the same day, in 1980, Rohini 1, India’s first satellite, is launched into orbit. Here are some other historical events that happened on July 18.
Who was Nelson Mandela?
Human rights activist, lawyer and international peace promoter, Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s first popular leader. He was born in the year 1918 on July 18. He was the son of chief Henry Mandela and was also known as Madiba from the clan of the Tembu people. Orphaned at a young age and claimed headship from him at a young age. Then He joined the African National Congress and became the leader of its Youth League and thus his contributions are known throughout the world. Mandela, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1993, died in 2013 at the age of 95.
Theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2022
The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 is “do what you can with what you have and where you are,” according to the United Nations. The theme finds significance given the geopolitical landscape in eastern Europe as well as sporadic conflicts in the Horn of Africa, followed by the crisis in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and various other parts of the world, as the UN chief notes. Last year it was “One Hand Can Feed Another.”
History of Nelson Mandela Day 2022
The United Nations officially designated Nelson Mandela International Day or Mandela Day in November 2009, with the first celebration taking place on July 18, 2010. Each year, Nelson Mandela International Day sheds a focus on the legacy of a man whose colossal achievements transformed the twentieth century. He was the recipient of more than 250 awards, including the Nobel Prize. The United Nations General Assembly instituted the Nelson Mandela Prize in 2014 to honour those who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity.
Messages to share on Nelson Mandela International Day
- “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
- “It always seems impossible, until it is done.”
- “Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front.”
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NELSON MANDELA
- Mandela’s birth name was Rolihlahla, which means ‘pulling the branch of a tree’ or ‘troublemaker’ in his tribe. On his first day of elementary school, his teacher gave him the name ‘Nelson’.
- Graça Machel, the wife of Nelson Mandela was first married to Mozambique President Samora Machel. Following the death of her husband, she married
Mandela, on his 80th birthday. - Nelson Mandela had a passion for boxing.
- Nelson appeared in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic Malcolm X. He made a
cameo appearance in the role of a teacher. - In 1952, he established the nation’s first Black legal firm in Johannesburg after studying law at the University of Witwatersrand.
