Anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95 peacefully at his residence in Johannesburg. As the news broke,tributes began pouring in from across the world. Here are a few tributes from India,some from readers of The Indian Express: Nandini Khaitan His most powerful message to me was - "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin,or his background,or his religion. People must learn to hate,and if they can learn to hate,they can be taught to love,for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." Love is the only solution - I deeply believe in it. Much to my mother's chagrin - I often lecture her on this when she quotes her extremist views to me on religion and societal divides. This man was the soul reason behind my inspiration to write an essay while in school on discrimination between Hindus and Muslims in educational institutions - it spoke about the liberty of allowing Muslim girls to wear a head scarf and so on to school which was essentialy a Hindu-backed institution. Nelson Mandela's work on discrimination is well known. But he also worked tirelessly on prison reforms. One of his quotes (of the many) that really get to the heart is - "It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens,but its lowest ones." It has been my guiding light over the years in forming views over the years on capital punishment,prison reforms etc. It's because of him I believe that an eye for an eye does not become a civil society. His stand on education was one which has inspired millions to support education. A South African student once told me how he escaped poverty and being an outlaw because Mandela's efforts had reached his village. Truly believe it's the only tool we have to change the world.basic education should be a mandatory right.and should be strictly enforced. An inspiration and what a legacy to leave behind - I feel a deep sense of personal loss. Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama are two leaders I would have given anything to meet. This is my instant personal reaction.He deserves an entire dedication! From the Indian Express Facebook page Milton D'Silva: May his soul rest in peace - an exemplary life by any yardstick - his detachment to the political office being the moment of crowning glory. Ashok Kumar Sahoo: Statesman who practiced Gandhian ideology for freedom struggle of his country. Zuali Lalkhuma Chhakchuak: Madiba RIP. There will never be another Nelson Mandela Shuayb Ganatra: Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country,he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is,therefore,why I will sleep for the eternity. ~ Nelson Mandela 1996 Hamba Kahle Tata Talasila Vijaya Sagar: RIP. You are an inspiration to the world Soumendra Bandyopadhyay: No praise can justify this great man . My homage to Mandella From Twitter @IndianExpress nelson mandela not gone anywhere he is living alive in billions of hearts let him be in peace. — Anil kalki (@anilkalsi78) December 6,2013 Pic of Nelson Mandela on return to Robben Island breaking stones as he did when he was in captivity there! pic.twitter.com/FLs815Y5Cq — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) December 6,2013 Sadly with the demise of Mandela there is hardly anyone in the world who can be seen as inspirational figure. We r left with pigmies. RIP. — S Irfan Habib (@irfhabib) December 6,2013 Anand Sharma on #Mandela 's demise,from Bali: He was a leader who gave hope,courage and strength to the multitudes. pic.twitter.com/PiPIFSseS8 — PIB India (@PIB_India) December 6,2013 Dalai Lama: I had met him (Nelson Mandela) on a few occasions,I admired him. We must carry forward the spirit. pic.twitter.com/UECdoYfmf2 — ANI (@ANI_news) December 6,2013 We will romance #Mandela today and start tearing him apart from tomorrow . price of being a legend we do the same to #mahatma every day — Samir Saran (@samirsaran) December 6,2013 In college I worked in anti apartheid "free Mandela" movement. For millions of us he was a constant personal inspiration. #NelsonMandela — Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) December 6,2013 Nelson Mandela,RIP.

'Madiba' to his people,and a prophet of peace,to the world. We need his message,now,more than ever! — VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) December 6,2013 RIP to the greatest person I had the honour of meeting #Mandela. My prized possession his autographed autobiography pic.twitter.com/0uNlVslUbC — Kabir Khan (@kabirkhankk) December 6,2013 The perfume of my meeting with Mandela lingers. Why don't we live when we know we are here just this one time,in this magnificent world? — Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) December 6,2013 T 1315 - Thank you Vikas .. pic.twitter.com/KbXhmPcGbN . what a moment !! Nelson Mandela's personalised autograph and picture of our meeting ! — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 6,2013
