Parliament on Friday paid glowing tributes to Nelson Mandela with leaders saying that the death of the anti-apartheid icon has left a void in the struggle against tyranny and injustice. Both lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after paying homage to the towering leader of South Africa. The Government announced a five-day State mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. And India will be represented by a high-level delegation at the funeral.
Speaker Meira Kumar and Chairman Hamid Ansari made obituary references as soon as the two Houses met for the day. “Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in his long walk and struggle against apartheid, he along with other leaders organised mass boycotts, especially against the laws supporting racial discrimination and oppression,” said the Speaker.
She said her visit to Robben Island where Mandela was jailed for 27 years was like a pilgrimage and one of the most inspiring moments of her life. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi lauded the courage, sacrifice and forgiveness of “Madiba”, whom she described as South Africa’s Mahatma Gandhi. “He was a leader who belonged to all humanity...He voluntarily renounced politics after serving as President (of South Africa), though the country wanted him to be President for life,” she said.
leader of the Opposition in lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said the footprints left by Mandela cannot be washed away by time. Though people come and go from this world, Mandela will remain immortal, she said. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh recalled Mandela’s visit to lucknow. “He said he wanted to go for a boat ride in Kashi (Varanasi). We spent a day together in lucknow and Varanasi,” Yadav said adding while Mahatma Gandhi was a model for Mandela, the South African leader will also be a model for coming generations as he fought against injustice and inequality.
In the Rajya Sabha, Ansari said, “As an anti-apartheid revolutionary, he was convicted to life imprisonment in 1964 and was released in 1990. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in his long walk and struggle against apartheid, he along with other leaders organised mass boycotts especially against the laws supporting racial discrimination and oppression...
“Mandela was a living symbol of his people’s quest for freedom and dignity against tyranny and injustice. While his courage, determination and sacrifice inspired millions of people during the anti-apartheid movement, his message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation thereafter, united them and led the rainbow nation on the path to peace and progress,” he said.
In the evening, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, the details of the high-level delegation attending the funeral will be decided soon. “There is still some time between the funeral is officially held and visiting dignitaries are being asked to attend that...Our High Commission is in touch with the South African Government,” he added.