Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest symbols of democracy, was released today, February 11, 1990. after 27 years in prison.
Mandela was imprisoned for opposing apartheid, South Africa's policy of racial segregation and discrimination of the non-white population.
His long imprisonment was in three different prisons -- Robben Island, Pollsmoor and Victor Verstor.
A poem that gave him strength in prison was William Ernest Henley's Invictus.
I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul are its famous lines.
He spent 18 of the 27 years in a tiny cell on Robben Island where a bulb was lit over his head 24 hours.
His release in 1990 saw the end of apartheid. He was 44 when he entered prison; 71 when he came out.
Mandela and then South African president F W de Klerk carried negotiations that brought a peaceful transition to a non-racial democracy.
They were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Mandela was elected South Africa's 1st black president in 1994.
It was the 1st time he voted in an election open to all races since Whites arrived 350 years earlier.
Mandela was a great admirer of Gandhi. Many Indians in South Africa supported his struggle and India backed the ANC to end apartheid.
Mandela was the first foreigner to be awarded the Bharat Ratna and was the Republic day chief guest in 1995.
Mandela did not seek a second term and retired from active politics remaining a lifelong advocate of peace.
Nearly 12 years ago, Mandela passed into the ages.
His beloved South Africa is no longer the same.
The ANC has changed beyond recognition.
But as long as the spirit of Mandela lives on, we can always hope.