Nelson Mandela and the Bharat Ratna

Former South African President Nelson Mandela was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his role in the anti-apartheid movement. Apart from Pakistan national Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, he is the only non-Indian to have received the award. Mandela idolized Gandhi and like him adopted the path of non-violence to fight tooth and nail against the evil of apartheid and injustice. India- South Africa relations climbed new heights with this recognition as it fostered good will and mutual respect in times of discord.