Mandela Day is observed every year on July 18 in honour of South Africa’s first democratically-elected black President, Nelson Mandela, on his birth anniversary. Also known as Nelson Mandela International Day, it was adopted by the United Nations to remember the achievements of Nelson Mandela for working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation.
The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 is “do what you can with what you have and where you are,” according to the United Nations and on this occasion, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will focus on its food and nutrition program.
In this article, you can read about the Mandela Day, the South African leader who fought against Apartheid and became the first black president of the country, for the IAS exam. As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about Mandela Day to get the basic information.
| You can gain an edge over your competition by visiting the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers page!! Enhance your preparation for the UPSC exam by checking the following links: |
Facts about Mandela Day for UPSC Exam
Read the below-mentioned facts about Mandela Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.
| Observed on | 18 July |
| Also Called | Nelson Mandela International Day |
| Celebrated | In honour of the Birth Anniversary of Nelson Mandela |
| Theme of 2022 | Do what you can with what you have and where you are |
| Theme of 2021 | One Hand Can Feed Another |
| First Mandela Day Celebrated | July 18, 2009 |
| Declaration by UN | November 10, 2009 |
The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.
About Mandela Day, 2022
- International Mandela Day celebrates the contribution of the leader to create peace through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, international democracy, reconciliation, and addressing racial issues.
- The theme for the Mandela Day, “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”.
About Mandela Day, 2021
- The theme for the day for 2021 was “One Hand Can Feed Another.”
- Since the Covid-19 has aggravated the problem for the poor and deepened the issues of poverty and inequality, the main focus on 2021s themes was on two critical challenges being faced by South Africa and several other countries for food security and cultures of lawlessness.
History of Mandela Day
- The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on November 10, 2009, and declared July 18,the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, as Nelson Mandela International Day.
- However, the first Mandela Day was observed in New York on July 18, 2009, before the UN declared the day.
Significance of Mandela Day
- The day is celebrated as “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”
- The purpose is to spread awareness that people everywhere should take responsibility for making the world a better place.
- It is a day to remember the great leader’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation.
About Nelson Mandela
- Nelson Mandela, born on 18 July, 1918 in South Africa, was a great politician, revolutionary, and philanthropist.
- He was an icon of the anti-apartheid movement and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
- He led the African National Congress to victory in the 1994 election, after being incarcerated for 27 years for leading his people in the fight against apartheid.
- Mandela provided service to others and always wanted to create a better world for everyone.
- He was known to show commanding presence, natural grace and sangfroid.
- He received nearly 700 awards in his lifetime and co-authored the book How Far We Slaves Have Come! with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
- The great leader passed away in 2013.
Read the details about Nelson Mandela in the article attached with the link.
How is Mandela Day Celebrated?
- 18 July has been an official United Nations holiday since 2009.
- On this day people are encouraged to fight the injustice in the neighbourhood, city, or state and do everything they can to alleviate the problem.
- People volunteer to work in soup kitchens, local organisations, take part in protests and work to help bring about civil liberties for everyone.
- People work for others and try to improve the lives of people around them.
Use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation for UPSC and other Competitive Exams.
This topic can be asked in the UPSC Prelims as part of the current affairs.
Related Links-
| UPSC Books | UPSC Monthly Current Affairs Magazine |
| APJ Abdul Kalam | Important Acts in India |
| Right to Education Act, 2009 | Free UPSC Study Material |
Comments