He was a great personality of an entire paradigm: Tewari on Mandela

Information and Broadcasting Minster Manish Tewari on Friday paid tribute to South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela, saying he was a great personality of not only his generation, but also entire paradigm

"Nelson Mandela was a great personality of not only his generation, but also an entire paradigm," Tewari said.

"His life has been a struggle. The role he personally played in dismantling Apartheid is something exemplary. A prisoner of conscience for over 20 years, he played a vital role in giving the moral leadership to the world. The entire nation is today one with the South African people in condoling his sad demise," Tewari further added.

He affirmed that the cabinet in its meeting on Friday had passed a resolution. And, it was decided that there would be a five day state mourning in memory of Mandela.

Mandela, who guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to multi-racial democracy and became an international icon of peace and reconciliation, died at his home on Thursday at age 95.