July 21, 2016 TnH Global 0

South African Consulate and Smile Foundation celebrated ‘Mandela Day’ in Mumbai

The foreign diplomats & children of Smile Foundation paint the classrooms of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad School at Dharavi (Mumbai).

“Education is the window and mirror in which you can look at the world”, “Education is the key, seize the opportunity”, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, these and many more inspiring quotes of the great philanthropist Nelson Mandela adorned the walls of the classrooms of Dharavi –based minority school, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad School to mark the celebrations of ‘Nelson Mandela International Day 2016’ this year on 18 July in Mumbai. This year the South African Consulate in partnership with other South African State entities, Businesses and Partners spent time with underprivileged children of ‘Smile Foundation’ in Mumbai. The Consulate called upon others to take up this challenge too and joined hands to helping those less privileged in India. “Take Action. Inspire Action. Make Every Day a Mandela Day” was the slogan to mark the celebrations!

Every year on 18 July, the day Nelson Mandela was born the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. It would be recalled that for 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity.

Ms. Maropene Ramokgo pa, South African Consul General shared, “We are urging every Mumbaikar to do something good or every day spend some time which would make a difference in the life of somebody. We really had a good time with the Smile Foundation children. We simply intended to spread some happiness and love amongst the less fortunate”. The UN General Assembly has been celebrating this day as the “Nelson Mandela International Day” globally in recognition of his contribution to justice, freedom & democracy since 2009.

“Nelson Mandela is a universal symbol of freedom and sacrifice, an icon representing the triumph of the human spirit. Nelson Mandela believed that Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world; we at Smile Foundation share the same ethos and are working towards his belief of a better, educated society. We are humbled to be a part of this celebration to commemorate the legend called Nelson Mandela and would also like to request people to join this movement to make the world a better place, shared Mr. Santanu Mishra, Executive Trustee and Co Founder, Smile Foundation.