Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, was born on July 18, 1918, and died six years ago due to respiratory infection. To commemorate his birthday, Mandela Day is celebrated on July 18 each year. Known as anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years before he became the first black president of South Africa in 1994. Madiba, as he was fondly referred to by those who loved him, lived a life which has been an inspiration for oppressed. Even after Mandela's death, his quotes continue to encourage people to stand against powerful oppressors.

Nelson Mandela was an ardent believer in equal rights for all and abhorred discrimination on the basis of caste and colour. He dreamt of a "rainbow nation" where every citizen had equal rights. During his lifetime Mandela inspired many with his numerous words of wisdom. And his thoughts and ideas are more relevant today than they have ever been. Mandela's quote about life, courage, empathy, education and change remain evergreen. Values of Nelson Mandela Needed More Than Ever: Sushma Swaraj.

Inspirational Nelson Mandela Quotes:

Quote Reads: I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Quote Reads: It always seems impossible until it's done.

Quote Reads:  When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.

Quote Reads: Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.

Quote Reads: Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

Quote Reads: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Quote Reads: Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Quote Reads: Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.

Quote Reads: Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

Quote Reads: I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.

Nelson Mandela was born into a royal family of the Thembu tribe, South Africa. After losing his parents at an early age, he was adopted by a regent who helped him develop his leadership skills. Mandela was the first in his family to receive a formal education. When he was studying at the University College of Fort Hare, he was expelled for joining in a student protest. Hence, he could not complete his studies for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he completed his BA through the University of South Africa. Indian-origin Prof Appointed Director of South Africa's Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance.

Mandela joined the African National Congress in 1944. In 1952 he was chosen as the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign with Maulvi Cachalia as his deputy. Mandela was arrested in a countrywide police swoop on 5 December 1956. He was later sentenced to 27 years in prison for fighting to topple the country’s apartheid regime. He was finally released in 1990. According to the Nelson Mandela Foundation website, he had rejected at least three conditional offers of release.

Mandela's lifelong pursuit of racial equality and efforts to bring old enemies together earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. On 10 May 1994, he became South Africa’s first democratically elected black President.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2019 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).