Renad Farid
Staff Writer
Nelson Mandela, the man who changed the world with his anti-apartheid revolutionary beliefs and philanthropic actions, was born on July 18, 1918. Little did he know he would grow up to be a South African legend.
Google decided to commemorate his life and his 96th birthday with an interactive doodle, taking you through 6 of his most memorable and influential quotes. The doodle starts with an illustration of Mandela decorated with flowers, followed by his quotes, with more illustrations portraying the stages of his ‘Long Walk to Freedom.’
He was the first democratically elected President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, after 27 years in prison when he was charged with convictions of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the state in 1962. While in prison, the former president studied law and learned Afrikaans on order to speak with his guards. Thus Google’s illustration of Mandela in his prison on Robben Island shows him reading, alongide the quote:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.”
As the quote appears on the screen, the prison bars disappear, showing the great influence of education.
His constant devotion was to democracy, education, and ending racism. People within South Africa held deep respect for him, and he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, or as Tata (meaning father). He is often described as “The Father of The Nation.”
The long, honorable life of Nelson Mandela ended in December 5, 2013. Though he may be gone, his legacy will live on, and be an inspiration for many centuries to come.
Watch Google’s tribute to Nelson Mandela in this video.
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