DHARAMSHALA: Describing Nelson Mandela as an icon of peace, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said his struggle for justice gave hope to humanity in general and particularly to Tibetans, that justice do prevail in the end.
“On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, I would like to express my profound sadness to learn that Nelson Mandela, who has contributed a lot to justice and peace in the world has left us,” Sikyong said at a press conference organised soon after he learned about the passing away of former South African president this morning.
“As a law student and as an activist at one time, I have studied about Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The success of the anti-apartheid movement gave a lot of hope to everyone seeking justice in the world,” he said.
“The history of the anti-apartheid movement and the personal story of Mandela gave hope to humanity in general and particularly to Tibetans that justice do prevail in the end,” he remarked.
Calling Mandela an icon of peace in the world, Dr Sangay said “the Tibetan movement, as a whole, is inspired by the anti-apartheid movement for being non-violent and peaceful, adding that Mandela’s legacy and his struggle for justice will continue.”
In his condolence letter to the President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma, Sikyong said “Nelson Mandela is one of the global peace icons for whom I have tremendous respect. With his passing away, the world has not just lost a great statesman but also a very good human being. The success of his anti-apartheid campaign has given us, Tibetans a hope that justice will prevail. His legacy of peace, reconciliation and the oneness of humanity will continue to live on and inspire many lives around the world.”
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, who was imprisoned and then became a politician and philanthropist and served as the first black President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
He was imprisoned for 27 years, initially on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison.
He died on 5 December 2013 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. He was 95.
