Naser Koshan
Mourning the death of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela affectionately known as Madiba was an exceptional politician, philanthropist, human rights activist and above all a great human being who tirelessly fought for social injustices and ethnic discrimination in South Africa yet preached co-existence, equality and even denounced violence against his own sworn enemies at that time. His love for humanity, righteousness and social equality was both exceptional and remarkable.
Though he spent 27 years in prison at the very prime time of his life and suffered immense at the hands of the then ruling white government, he never gave up on his struggle and dire thirst for freedom and the end of apartheid in his home country. People would later call him saint but he never portrayed himself as a hero only saying he is a pragmatic and humble public servant. As a leader and symbol of endurance he taught the world the art of co-existing and embracing each other with love and sincerity.
With no surprise he was respected by all walks of people around the globe regardless of religion, color or political alignment. As president Obama nicely put in his statement today “We have lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings”. Though he was treated with prejudice and discrimination but he never sought to practice the same once released and became the president.
One of his greatest quotes in 1964:
(“I have fought against the white domination; I have fought against the black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people live together in harmony and equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve, if it needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”)
No doubt his teachings and his life at its own is a great lesson for every leader to follow his suit and push for ending the devastating sectarian conflicts in their respected countries with prudence and right approaches.
He would be missed a great deal and his legacy will always be cherished by upcoming generations.
May his soul rest in peace!
In honor of late Mandela 1918 - 2013
Naser Koshan
Washington, U.S. December 2013
