Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential statesmen who led the struggle for a multi-caste democracy in South Africa by ending racism. His contribution to human life is immense. Nelson Mandela was a living legend with his charming personality, keen sense of humor and his colorful and dramatic life story.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918. His father was a councilor of the Thembo royal family in the province of Eastern Cape. My father's name was Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela. One of the teachers at the school gave him the English name Nelson. But to the people of South Africa, she was 'Madiba'. At a young age, Nelson Mandela moved to Johannesburg, where he was elected president of the youth wing of the African National Congress. Closely involved in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

In 1960, anti-racism movement became intense when 69 people were killed on police fired on black protesters in Sharpville. He began to question whether the peaceful movement would benefit at all. In a speech at the time, Nelson Mandela said that peace and dialogue with the government were futile when the government was brutally attacking unarmed and unresponsive people.

He was released on February 11, 1990, after 27 years in prison. In a speech delivered in front of the jail that day, Nelson Mandela reminded his supporters of what he had said in court during his trial. Mr Mandela said he dreamed of a South Africa where people of all races and ethnicities could live together with equal opportunity.

Like political life, Nelson Mandela's personal life was full of ups and downs. In 1994, he married his first wife, Evelyn Mess. This marriage did not last long. The decision to separate from his second wife and longtime political comrade Winnie Mandela was one of the toughest decisions of his life. On his 70th birthday, he married for the third time the former First Lady of Mozambique, Grassa Marshall.

Today we have a bright future for the courage of people like Nelson Mandela. People-to-people relationships have been created. Racial discrimination has been eliminated for their welfare decisions. People like Nelson Mandela will always be remembered in our lives.

Niloy Sohag(21 December 2021)