The students spent an exciting day at the prestigious India International Centre, Lodi Gardens – where they had been invited by The United Nations Information Centre, The India International Centre, The Working Group on Alternative Strategies and The Gandhi Yuva Baradari – to commemorate the 105th Birthday of Nelson Mandela.
Upon arrival, they were led to the Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza where they were formally received by non-other than the Convener of Jan Prasaar, Respected Shri Suhas Borker. Then the children presented their tribute to the great visionary and freedom fighter – Nelson Madiba Mandela – through their song “Get up Stand up for your rights”. The illustrious audience included His Excellency the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, JOEL SIBUSISO NDEBELE, The First Lady Mrs. NDEBELE, The Director of the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, Mr. Darrin Farrant, our Respected Principal Ms. Poonam Kumar Mendiratta and other esteemed members of the South African Mission to India and the UN.
The Manthanites then joined a Procession from Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza to the nearby Deshmukh Auditorium where our scholars participated in the Mandela Katha Mala – a scholarly discussion on the life and struggles of Nelson Mandela – and the speakers included H. E. JOEL SIBUSISO NDEBELE the High Commissioner of South Africa, SHREE ASHIS NANDY, an internationally renowned political psychologist, sociologist and public intellectual.
Overall, an exhilarating and uplifting experience for the children who returned in high spirits, singing songs throughout the bus ride back to school.
