Manmohan Singh pays tribute to Mandela

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today paid tribute to the South African anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela whose life epitomized the fight for freedom and equality.

In New Delhi, Singh paid tribute to Mandela by writing his thoughts about one of the most charismatic and influential leaders of the 20th century, in a condolence book placed at the South African High Commission.

Mandela, South Africa's first black President who steered his nation out of apartheid and into multi-racial democracy, died on Thursday at the age of 95 after months of illness.

Since then, an outpouring of emotion unrivalled since Mandela's release from 27 years of prison in 1990 and his subsequent election victory have gripped the country.

Fifty-nine foreign heads of state or government have confirmed that they will attend either the memorial ceremony or the state funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa in the coming week.