Nelson Mandela International Day 2022: Importance, significance and top quotes

Mandela Day 2022: Nelson Mandela day is observed on July 18 every year. The United Nations (UN) had in 2009 declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela Day to honour Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first President from 1994 to 1999. 

Mandela was the first black head of state and was the first elected President in a fully democratic election in South Africa.

Mandela always believed in inspiring everyone to take responsibility to change the world for the better. Mandela day is a day for all to take action and inspire change. 

He was decorated with more than 250 awards, including the esteemed Nobel Prize and Bharat Ratna. 

Moreover, Mandela dedicated himself to the struggle of the African people and fought against racial discrimination. He always cherished a free society in which people live together peacefully with equal opportunities.

Nelson Mandela International Day: History 
 

In November 2009,  the UN General Assembly declared July 18 as 'Nelson Mandela International Day to recognise the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom in society. He was not only the first democratically elected black president but also a man with colossal dreams to transform the world.

This day acknowledges his fight against poverty, gender inequality, racism, and the abolition of human rights. UN's resolution A/RES/64/13 observes Mandela’s values and his lifelong dedication to the service of humanity.

Mandela's Inspiring Quotes

1. "It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.
A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones."

2. "It is easy to break down and destroy.
The heroes are those who make peace and build."

3. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”

4. “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

5. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"

6. “Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.”

7. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

8. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”