Despite facing 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged without bitterness, advocating for reconciliation and understanding rather than retribution
Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African leader, symbolises peace, resilience, and unwavering commitment to non-violence in the face of oppression and injustice. July 18, 2024, marks the 106th birth anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy and the principles he championed throughout his life, having had the inspiration of none other than Mahatma Gandhi. Mandela’s evolution from a young civil rights activist to a global statesman who promoted reconciliation and peaceful coexistence has left an indelible mark on humanity.
His significant contributions to peace and non-violence, the influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles on his ideologies, and the continued relevance of his message in today’s conflict-ridden world underscore the importance of knowing about his sacrifices and courage.
Mandela’s life exemplifies the power of perseverance and the potential for positive change through non-violent means. Born in 1918, he witnessed firsthand the brutalities of apartheid in South Africa, a regime that institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the majority black population. Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid activities led to his imprisonment. At the age of 44, Mandela was manacled and transported to Robben Island prison. He was released at the age of 71 in 1990, after 27 years of incarceration. Upon his release, Mandela embraced a path of reconciliation and non-violence, guiding South Africa through a remarkable transition to democracy. In 1994, he became the country’s first black president.
Nelson Mandela’s words, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”, reflects his belief in the capacity of humanity to embrace love and understanding, transcending divisions based on race, ethnicity, or religion. It echoes Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on the essential goodness inherent in people, which can be reclaimed through nonviolent means.
Nelson Mandela’s advocacy for non-violence found its roots in the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi. Mandela greatly admired Gandhi’s methods, drawing significant inspiration from his successful campaigns against British colonial rule. The Mahatma’s teachings on non-violence, civil disobedience, and reconciliation profoundly influenced Mandela’s approach to the struggle against apartheid. Madiba viewed freedom not as a pursuit for personal liberation alone but as an endeavour grounded in the emancipation of others. Despite facing 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged without bitterness, advocating for reconciliation and understanding rather than retribution. His approach to forgiveness was not merely personal but was woven into the very fabric of South Africa’s journey towards healing and unity, exemplified by the ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’. This process underscored that acknowledging and forgiving past wrongs is essential for building a cohesive and forward-looking society. Instead of trying to seek revenge on his oppressors, he took to the Gandhian path of forgiveness and reconciliation in his endeavour to build a new South Africa. We all remember what he said as he was coming out of prison. “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” Incorporating forgiveness into conflict resolution and personal growth is the need of the hour.
Forgiveness allows individuals and communities to move beyond grievances, fostering environments where trust and collaboration can thrive. It is a powerful antidote to cycles of hatred and violence, promoting lasting peace and understanding. Mandela’s legacy teaches us that forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning harm, but about freeing oneself from the burden of resentment and creating the space for healing and positive change. Forgiveness plays a pivotal role in resolving global conflicts, acting as a catalyst for peace and reconciliation. Across various conflicts, from the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 – during the Rwandan Civil War – to the Northern Ireland Troubles (ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted for about 30 years from the late 1960s to 1998, and is sometimes described as an “irregular war” or “low-level war”), the process of forgiveness has been instrumental in bridging deep divides. In Rwanda, following the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, the government established ‘Gacaca Courts’ to facilitate community-based justice. This process emphasized truth-telling, reconciliation, and forgiveness, allowing survivors and perpetrators to coexist and rebuild their communities.
Seen in the context of personal growth, forgiveness liberates individuals from the chains of resentment and empowers them to move forward with a sense of renewed purpose. This is evident in the stories of individuals like Malala Yousafzai, who, despite surviving a brutal attack by the Taliban, advocates for the education of girls worldwide without harbouring bitterness towards her assailants. Similarly, the story of Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide and motivational speaker, highlights the transformative power of forgiveness. Like in Buddhist psychology, forgiveness is understood as a way to end suffering, to bring dignity and harmony to our lives, what Madiba has taught us is that forgiveness is fundamentally for our own sake, for our peace. It is better, that we learn to let go.
(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)
