A man who was not bitter about those who put him 27 years in prison is Mandela-a giant with vision and focus. A man whose most important legacy is: ‘to lead as much by what he chooses not to do as what he does’ is Mandela, a man whose important message is – there is nothing black and white in this complex world.
The United Nations hasrecognized the anti-apartheid leader's birthday, 18th July, as an opportunity to honor his legacy. It is called Mandela Day.
The Mandela Day campaign message for his 95th birthday in 2013 is simple: Madiba-as he was fondly called-gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity, as an advocate, as activist, as politician. So, as a symbolic gesture, everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen campaign on social activities, environmental protection or serving your local community or simply by reading about his monumental work and reflecting.
I recall following eight lessons culled out by Richard Stengel, Biographer of Mandela.
When asked 'how the man who emerged from prison differed from the willful young man who had entered it?'. He replied, "I came out mature".
We all need to come out mature from the prison of modern and consumer oriented unsustainable world. Give 67 minutes to reflect on the way we leave and how together we can make it sustainable.
"Nature has given many things to humans to make summers bearable. Fruits that keep the body cool, trees that provide plenty of shade. But the animals and birds around us suffer a lot from the heat of the sun. We should fulfill our responsibility of providing them with water and shade. We should also protect the branches of trees and keep water in the windows. Only then the animals and birds will remain healthy. Let's reduce the temperature of the earth. Let's conserve the trees..!!"
TERRE Policy Centre organized a tree distribution drive in Dandeli, Karnataka, where they distribute...
