International Nelson Mandela Day 2025: Every year on July 18, a special day is celebrated worldwide, which is known as International Nelson Mandela Day. The day is dedicated to the birthday of Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, the Nobel laureate for peace and a long battle against apartheid. Mandela was not only a leader, but he was a symbol – a symbol of hope for equality, freedom and humanity. The story of his life is such that it touches every heart and teaches us that even a person can change the whole world.
Nelson Mandela: Extraordinary journey from a simple beginning
On 18 July 1918, a child was born in Maujo village of Transki region of South Africa, named Rolihlala Mandela. Rolilala in the local language means mischievous, but this child grew up to become Madiba for the world – a name that the people of her clan called her lovingly. Mandela’s childhood was simple. His father was the chieftain of a clan, but died at an early age. After this, Mandela was adopted by a regular, who took up the responsibility of his education and upbringing.
Mandela started studies at Fort Hare University, but was expelled for raising his voice against apartheid. This was the time when the policy of apartheid in South Africa was at its peak. Discrimination between white and black people was so deep that black people were forced to live a second -class life in their own country. Mandela saw this injustice and resolved to change it. He moved to Johannesburg, where he completed law studies and established the country’s first black legal firm in 1952. The real purpose of his life began from here – the fight against apartheid.
Conflict against apartheid: 27 years imprisonment
In 1944 Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC). This organization was fighting non -violently against apartheid, but over time Mandela felt that non -violence would not work only. He founded the Sijway, the armed branch of ANC, Umkhanato, which began to adopt the guerrilla war strategy against the government. Mandela believed that as long as the government takes the path of violence, it is necessary to answer.
Mandela was arrested in 1962 and in 1964 he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent the next 27 years in jail, most of which he was in Roben Island’s infamous jail. Here he was kept in a small 8×7 feet room, where he slept on a grass-colored mat and worked in coal mines. But even in these difficult circumstances, Mandela’s encouragement did not break. They used to teach their fellow prisoners, enthusiasm in them and keep the fight against apartheid from within the jail.
While in jail, Mandela once said that I was sure that I would forgive everyone and it happened. His thinking shows his greatness. They did not want to give hatred a place in their heart, because they believed that hatred makes a person weak.
Release and journey to become president
Released from Mandela Jail on 11 February 1990. This was the moment when a new era began in South Africa. After the release, Mandela started talks with the white government to eliminate apartheid. His effort was to instead of violence in the country, peace and compromise. In 1994, for the first time in South Africa, there was a democratic election without apartheid, in which ANC won heavily. On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black President of the country. It was a historical moment, which inspired not only South Africa, but the whole world.
Mandela’s presidential term remained from 1994 to 1999. During this time, he tried to bridge the gap between white and black people in the country. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was to bring out the truth of atrocities during apartheid and to bring justice to the victims. Mandela believed that the country could not move forward without reconciliation.
International Nelson Mandela Day: Beginning and Importance
To honor Nelson Mandela’s contribution, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Nelson Mandela Day in November 2009. The first day was celebrated on 18 July 2010, when Mandela was 92 years old. Moon Ki Moon Ki Moon of the United Nations said that Mandela is a symbol of the high ideals of the United Nations. This day not only gives a chance to remember Mandela’s achievements, but it also inspires us to adopt their values – peace, equality and human rights.
There is a special message from this day that every person has the strength to improve the world. The United Nations has associated this day with a 67 -minute challenge, which shows Mandela’s 67 -year -old public service life. People are appealed to dedicate 67 minutes to some good work on this day, such as helping the needy, teaching in schools or working to protect the environment.
Theme and message of 2025
Every year there is a special theme of International Nelson Mandela Day, which focuses on social issues. Its theme in 2023 was in your hand, which meant that every person is responsible for the change. The theme of 2025 has not been announced yet, but it is expected that it will focus on issues like environment, education or social equality. This theme will inspire us to bring Mandela’s thoughts into our lives and bring positive changes in the society.
Mandela’s legacy: Awards and honors
Mandela received many honors worldwide for his work. In 1993, he was given the then President of South Africa F.W. The Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded with D. Clarke. In 1990, the Government of India honored him with Bharat Ratna, who was the first foreign national to get him. In addition, he received several international awards such as the Sakharov Award in 1988 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.
Mandela’s personal life: some unheard things
Mandela’s life was not limited to struggle and politics only. He was a human being, which had many colors. He was fond of boxing and used to land in the ring in youth. He also played a small role of a teacher in the 1992 film Malcolm X. Mandela had three marriages and had six children. He married his third wife Graka Machal at the age of 80, which was a beautiful moment in his life.
Mandela also spread awareness against AIDS. He openly stated that his son died of AIDS, which was a big step at that time, because there were many misconceptions about the disease.
Mandela’s views: source of inspiration
Some thoughts of Mandela still inspire people. He had said that only after climbing a big hill, it is known that many more hills are yet to be climbed. This idea teaches us that struggles in life never end, but it is necessary to maintain courage. Another inspiring idea was that our children are the rock on which our future will be made. He will be the leader of our country. This explains us the importance of teaching and care of the next generation.
Mandela Day 2025: How to celebrate
You can contribute in many ways to celebrate the International Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July 2025. Adopt the 67 -minute challenge and help the people around you. You can teach children in a school, share food to the needy in a settlement or plant trees in their area. Mandela believed that even small steps could bring big changes.
Also, read Mandela’s ideas and share with others. Take inspiration from his life and work for equality and peace in your life. If you are in South Africa, Roben Island can go to see the gel or Mandela’s house, which is now a museum.
Nelson Mandela’s life teaches us that no matter how big it is, he can be defeated with courage, patience and love. He was a person who spent 27 years in jail, yet forgiven his enemies. His power to forgive this was his greatest strength. International Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that we all have the strength to change.
When you celebrate this day on July 18, 2025, remember the message of Mandela that it is in your hand. Whether it is a small step or a big, every effort matters. Like Mandela, let us also become a source of hope and inspiration for the people around us.
