18th July- 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.” – Nelson Mandela

In November 2009, the United Nations in honor of Nelson Mandela declared 18th July as Nelson Mandela International Day also known as Mandela Day. He has devoted 67 years of his life to community service and fighting for social justice when in the year 1942 a campaign for human rights of each South African was initiated by him. So, on this day people are asked to utilize their 67 minutes for a noble cause.

The future of the world lies in the hands of the upcoming generation which implies to the young children. It is them who will be leading the society tomorrow to make this world a better place. Mandela always encouraged the idea that every individual has the capability to change the world for good.

Hence, children should be educated about the right and wrong happening in society. The idea of kind deeds to be done for everyone around regardless of their color, caste, status, or anything for that matter must be instilled in them right from childhood which then only will spread acceptance and tolerance among them. 

Even in such gloomy times, children can be motivated to do something in favor of the community as they are impressionable and so tend to adopt new practices early. Parents along with children can conduct a monthly/weekly food distribution drive for the guards, cleaners, and their families as well as the workers who are in need and are stuck amidst the lockdown because every help counts.

Doing this not only makes children aware and prepare them to follow such good and kind deeds in their future but also makes parents make a positive change by being the guiding light for the future generation. This in a way proves the idea of Nelson Mandela that every person has the power to change the world.

Children have been a major aspect of his service for the community. All his life he continued to work in support of children. He said, “Whenever I am with vibrant young people, I feel like a recharged battery.”  Growing up in poverty and during apartheid, he understood better the pain of children suffering from the same. After he became the president of South Africa, he donated half of his salary and a part of his Nobel Peace Prize money to the helpless and poor kids. 

Mandela, popularly known as Madiba in South Africa has given some lessons for the world to learn:

• Forgiveness is the key to focusing forward.
• Passion produces perseverance.
• Violence is not the answer.
• Change begins from the inside- out.
• Expect change to be messy.

This year the essence of Mandela's day that is “take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela day” is more important than it has ever been before. Every small effort makes a difference and so if instead of one single day, it is celebrated every day to continue such good work, soon a day will come with a huge change marking a big difference in the community.

Stay Tuned, Stay Relevant!