India Joins UN In Observing Int'l Mandela Day

New Delhi, July 20, IRNA -- India on Thursday joined UN member states in observing International Mandela Day on the 95th birthday of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying the day also holds special significance for the country. ˈOn the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day, I compliment all member states of the United Nations for celebrating the values that Nelson Mandela has dedicated his life to,ˈ Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Permanent Representative of India read Singhˈs message to UN during a special event of the UN General Assembly at United Nations, pti reported. ˈThese values of peace, pluralism, justice, equality and dignity are also embodied in the United Nations Charter. In proclaiming 18 July as the Nelson Mandela International Day, the United Nations paid tribute to a great citizen of the world,ˈ Singh said. The Prime Minister also wished speedy recovery to Mandela, who was admitted to a hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection. ˈToday, we stand with our African brothers and sisters in wishing Mandela a speedy recovery and good health,ˈ he said in his message. Singh also invoked Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion as he said the day holds special significance for India. ˈThis day also holds special significance for India. The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who led the struggle for our independence, honed his skills as a young lawyer in Nelson Mandelaˈs homeland,ˈ he said. India was the first country invited to speak at the special event. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the event, while the key note address was delivered by former US President Bill Clinton. ˈBound by history, more than a billion Indian hearts rejoice and take pride in the life and mission of Nelson Mandela, which stand for ideals that are enduring and universal in their appeal and relevance. ˈThe outpouring of love and the countless prayers that we have seen in recent days for Mandela only prove that there is something very deep and abiding in the human spirit that binds us across borders,ˈ he said. People across the globe on Thursday joined South Africans in celebrating the 95th birthday of the countryˈs first black president, with President Jacob Zuma saying that the ailing peace iconˈs medical condition has ˈsteadilyˈ improved. Mandela, regarded as the founding father of South Africaˈs multi-racial democracy, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on June 8. He has been hospitalized four times since December./end