Rajya Sabha adjourned after paying tribute to Nelson Mandela

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day Friday after paying tribute to the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who died Thursday night at the age of 95.

In an obituary reference as soon as the house met at 11 a.m., Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said Mandela's message of courage and goodness "will continue to guide us for many years".

He also recalled that Mandela was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1990.

Members observed a minute's silence before the house was adjourned for the day.