Forgive the oppressor, not the oppression: Rahul recounts Mandela’s personal advice

Congress has paid a glowing tribute to South African leader Nelson Mandela, whose 100th birth anniversary was celebrated across the world on Wednesday. Both Congress President Rahul Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote separate letters to current President of African National Congress, Cyril Ramaphosa, as they remembered the strong historic bonds between the ANC and Congress.

“I will always cherish the memories of my meeting with Madiba. We spoke at length about the need for a nation to forgive its oppressors and to heal, but to never forget the oppression unleashed on it,” Rahul wrote in his letter to Ramaphosa.

Rahul further noted how Mandela had told him that he had been inspired by the ideals of Indian freedom struggle icon Mahatma Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi recounted her meeting with Mandela, saying it was an immense privilege for her to meet the South African icon and experience his charisma.

“Nelson Mandela provided moral strenghth and guidance at a time when the world was confronted with a crisis of leadership,” wrote Sonia.

Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. He became an elder statesman and focused on combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the charitable Nelson Mandela Foundation. He breathed his last on December 5, 2013.