CHICAGO: All humans are mortal but a few live beyond their physical life because of their deeds and hence are immortal. Nelson Mandela, a nonagenarian leader from South Africa, was one such figure. A legend in his own way, he was great in life but has turned out to be much greater after his death.
He passed away battling multiple ailments recently leaving behind him a beautiful legacy that mankind would cherish for years to come.
Members of Indian community across USA mourn his death – the Chicagoland Indian being no exception – with some having personal touch with him while most though no direct connection, feel as if they have lost a part of their extended family. India Post, as its wont, has touch based with Indian Americans and shares their reactions herewith:
NIRANJAN SHAH, CEO Globetrotter Eng Corporation and former head of Federation of Indian Associations, said: “I met Mr Mandela in October of 2001, when I had the privilege to visit South Africa with then President Bill Clinton.
Lot can be said and observed about a person who will be remembered for generations to come.
As a part of our trip was a tour of Robin Island where Mr Mandela and six others were kept in prison. Our tour guide was Mr Ahmad Kathrada, a person of Indian origin, Chair of Robin Island Foundation and one of the six inmate in prison convicted with Mr Mandela at “Trial of Treason”.
The mere thought of spending 27 precious years of life in a virtual solitary confinement that Mr Mandela endured was a heart wrenching experience. He shared with us his experiences in prison. However the most striking fact remains in my heart even today is how the ruling class was at its worst in practicing apartheid. They had different standards even in prison for Asians and Africans and of course, whites. Asians were provided better rations than blacks but not as good as white prisoners. Even the prison clothes were different. Whites were given full pants.
Asians were given just below their knees and Africans (blacks) were give shorts which would barely cover their knees. They did not consider blacks to be men. They considered them boys. One cannot imagine the mental degradation.
“Unfortunately the British did the same in India among government employees, Maharajas and general public. Each group getting slightly better treatment felt privileged. And yet each group was treated as a second class citizen. (Of course Gandhi changed some of it but it is still there significantly). We salute Mr Mandela for the strength of his character, very high spirit and commitment to liberate not only his people but being a role model for all oppressed men and women around the globe.
“The Government of India presented him with ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 2006 and to say the least, not only he richly deserved but in fact it was the Indian government which honored itself by presenting him with the Award.”
ANIL GOPAL, President of St Louis Asian Indian Business Association, was raised in South Africa the nation that Nelson Mandela was born in. He has sent a poetic tribute in Mandela’s honor that is given below.
“Our Dear Madiba, RIP!
“A quiet time for us to remember and celebrate the life of a Great Man, a Father to a Nation and a Wonderful Human Being.
“Nelson Mandela proved to a Nation and the World that Dialogue and Reconciliation brings better outcomes than anger and hatred.
“His Jailors came to Love and Respect him, for Respect is earned.
“His oppressors came to Understand and Trust him, because trust, like Respect, is earned.
“His followers came to Believe in a Better tomorrow, because he taught his Nation to Love instead of Hate!
“Unity instead of Separation; Peace instead of Hate; Love instead of Bitterness; Truth and Reconciliation instead of Revenge.
“How Blessed we are that we live in a time, where everyone can discover his experiences, and his journey! Communication has made this all possible, now if the whole world can replicate this message of Humanity, we will experience a True Blessing!
“We will miss this Great Humanitarian, and we can honor him by applying his principles to our lives.
“God Bless You Madiba! Aum Peace, Peace, Peace!”
AJIT GANDHI, a prominent financial planner, said “certainly one of the best leaders ever has left this world. Three comparisons come to my mind. First, one commonality with Mahatma Gandhi he exhibited was that he kept away from the Presidency of South Africa after serving only one term. Nobody would have stopped him if he had decided to continue.
Mahatma Gandhi, of course, did not assume official power at all. Second, what hard labor he must have gone thru in prison can be compared with the hard labor which Veer Saavarkar went thru in prison under British rule. Third, like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, he too fought against untouchability/apartheid & both were honored with the Bharat Ratna award in the same year and both passed away on December 6.
DIAL GIDWANEY, President The American Institute of Sindhulogy (AIS) said that AIS, its board members and supporters are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first post-apartheid president and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
“Recognized as the father of his nation as well as a universal symbol of peace and reconciliation, he will be remembered for the personal sacrifices he made to bring freedom to South Africa. Future generations will know him – along with Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Martin Luther King – as one of the great twentieth century nonviolent freedom fighters and humanitarians.
DR BHARAT BARAI, a prominent Oncologist and Trustee Manav Seva Mandir, said that Nelson Mandela was a giant of our times. “He was a true Gandhian, who went to jail for 17 years but did not keep bitterness towards the white Afrikkaners. His peaceful and level headed approach made the transition from Apartheid to democracy, peaceful and congenial. Unlike many African countries that are in chaos after independence, South Africa has become an economy to reckon with. Hope his people respect and honor his legacy by continuing on the path with peace and wisdom.
DR HARSH KUMAR, noted Cardiologist and President of Grays Lake Hindu Temple, said that Nelson Mandela was the most influential statesman of our time. He was the true follower of the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence. He became the victorious statesman with his lifelong struggle against apartheid.
After spending 27 years in a solitary confinement, he became the first black president of South Africa (1994 to 1999). He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 ‘for their work for the peaceful termination of apartheid.’
“Our people lost a father” were the words spoken by the current president of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma in his memory.
The absence of Nelson Mandela’s physical presence should not extinguish the bright light that will keep on shining around the world for generations to come.
J DIGVENKAR, President Rang Inc, and a community activist, said that Nelson Mandela. A man of many achievements, his winning the Nobel Peace Prize was an inspiration to billions,
Mandela was very humble, forgiving and selfless with no chip on his shoulder. Little wonder there is no one like Nelson Mandela a true fighter and promise keeper for the common man. He always put the people first not his personal agendas. These days countries are struggling because leaders are selfish. It is no longer about the people, but for Dr Mandela, against all odds, it was about the people of South Africa and the whole world stands tall with his message of love and forgiveness.
I have never seen such a humble man, and yet so clever. But most of all he was a father to millions of people. Every child in India, Germany, China, Italy, America and Africa they all know and love this man as a hero. I felt so sad when I heard of the passing of such an amazing Statesman of the World. However, today I also feel so grateful that he was an influence throughout a large part of world and world leaders’ life. The example he set the world was one of total forgiveness in the face of adversity. He is a true example of how we all need to appreciate our global planet and live in harmony as one big family.
NAREN PATEL, CEO MedStar and National vice president Association of Indians in America, said that Nelson Mandela, a great anti-apartheid icon who became the first president of a democratic South Africa, changed the world for better upholding human dignity and human rights.
A Nobel laureate and human rights campaigner, he was also a great social activist. A person jailed for 27 years, after coming out of jail was not even mad and won’t say anything bad about the people who put him in prison. Persons like him come to this world once in millennium. May God keep his soul in Peace.
OMPRAKASH KAMARIA, Chairman Gandhi Memorial Trust, observed that Mahatma Gandhi commenced his non violent struggle for human dignity and freedom in South Africa and it blossomed and fructified in India with the nation getting Independence from British Yoke.
Picking up the same thread Nelson Mandela waged struggle to end Apartheid and fought for equal treatment for non whites in South Africa. Ultimately the White ruled government had to give up power and its jungle based laws.
Both lived their lives for our freedom and they would be all alive whenever the fight for human dignity is waged.
RAJAN ZED, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that Leaders of various religions and denominations gathered on December 8 in Reno (Nevada, USA) in memory of Nobel laureate Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who died on December 5 in Johannesburg.
Zed said that this multi-faith service included prayers and reflections by Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i leaders. Multi-faith leaders acknowledged that Nelson Mandela set a milestone for the world with his efforts in pluralism, common ground, equality, color-blindness and coexistence.
RAMANLAL PATEL, President of United Senior Pariwar, Chicago, said that “by the time most of us retire and seek a peaceful and quiet life, Nelson Mandela at the age 75 picked up the rein of a nation badly divided by decades of apartheid policies and practices of the White government.” The divide among people was great and any ordinary man would shiver and could take the nation in a wrong direction. Not so Nelson Mandel and thus, he proved to be a beacon of light to many of us seniors. The greatest tribute that we can pay to him is to try to live to the standard that he has set – right vision, right words and right action. May God rest this beautiful Soul in Peace.
RISHIKANT SINGH, Manager-Midwest Air India said “We deeply mourn the passing away of a true icon of peace in the from of Nelson Mandela. His commitment to freedom of all subjugated people, the true values of democracy, peaceful co-existence and the personal suffering he braved is unparalleled. Such a sincere and spiritual soul’s departure will leave a void in the hearts of a whole generation.
We hope and pray that the path of ideals, sacrifice, love of his people he has lived, will inspire us and all future generations to follow in his footsteps of brotherly love, forgiveness and peace that he practiced through his difficult life.
We pray eternal rest to his soul in the merciful resting place in heaven.
RITA SINGH President FIA said “Members of my organization and I mourn the death of Nelson Mandela – a great leader, freedom fighter and a true patriot. Mr Mandela is also known as Gandhi of South Africa like our Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. He led the freedom struggle in South Africa and had to pay the price by getting imprisoned for 27 years. At this moment of grief I would like to pay my tribute to this Great leader and pray to God that his soul may rest in Peace.
SUNIL SHAH, founder President FIA (new) observed that the Noble Prize winner and first former black President of S Africa has left for his heavenly abode but his indomitable spirit, courage and leadership will remain in our hearts forever.
His famous quotes will always be the source of inspiration and motivation for generations to come, like: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world; A good head and good mind are always a formidable combination; For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Champion of human rights, peace, social injustice and human rights, he will forever rule the hearts of millions.
THAKAR BASATI, Associate Director Legal Shield, said that Nelson Mandela demonstrated to the world that any one can achieve what one dreams off. A simple man who stood his ground for what he believed is right, even though he had to go through lot of hardship and trouble. And he succeeded. Hardships came in his way in numbers but he won ultimately. He showed the world that all you have to do is to have vision, believe in God and yourself.
The whole world is mourning his passing away and the reason is his love for human dignity and freedom. There is so much to learn from his sacrifice and his achievement. He never believed in revenge. His smile was contagious. Long live Mandela.
WORLD HINDU COUNCIL OF AMERICA (VHPA) in a release says that Nelson Mandela symbolizes a beacon to the path of Dharma, a commitment to right action without consideration of consequence.
“During his 27 years of imprisonment, he bonded with his Hindu fellow inmates at the prison, particularly when Hindu priests would make ceremonial visits.
He noted this in a 1991 speech commemorating Diwali, just over a year after his release from prison: “Diwali brings back for me memories of days on Robben Island….It humbles me to be associated with a festival that goes back over 5000 years. We have been engaged in the battle against the forces of darkness along lines similar in the Hindu scriptures. The policies of apartheid and its creator, the National Party have inflicted serious damage on the country and its people.”
Addressing South African Hindus, he said: “We are committed to building bridges and helping to embrace all of humanity under one umbrella and move forward in strength and confidence to a better future.
We believe that this is not different from what Hindu scriptures have also been saying: knowledge over ignorance; good health and well being over disease and ill health; (and) freedom over bondage. In our struggle we will be celebrating this triumph together. But we have a difficult road to walk before we can claim that victory for us all in this country.
Sincere respects to the noble and compassionate Sri Nelson Mandela on behalf of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). May his soul find peace in its onward journey.
Surendra Ullal, Suresh Shah & Ramesh Soparawala
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