(Image source from: Nelson Mandela dead})

Freedom fighter, prisoner, president, Novel Peace Prize winner, global icon and perhaps the most admired person on the planet, the world is overwhelmed with grief at the passing away of its noblest son - Nelson Mandela, the revolutionary, who died at his Johannesburg home at 12.50pm EST yesterday, after battling prolonged illness. He was 95.

For the ailing anti-apartheid icon, who has been battling death since the last five months, ever since he wad admitted to a Pretoria hospital with a lung infection last June, the last few months have been rigged with pain and suffering.

Although he was discharged from the hospital on September, he was under 'virtual 24 hour intensive care unit' and has been on a ventilator ever since.

News of Mr Mandela's failing health started doing rounds in the early afternoon Wednesday, as members of Mandela family rushed to the former president's Johannesburg home.

South Africa's president Jacob Zuma announced the long-expected death in a special television broadcast last night. Mr Zuma said: 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.'

 

The news of Nelson Mandela's death has stirred patriotism and pain, as hundreds and thousands of mourners took to the nation's streets in a show of mourning last night.

Condolers teemed at Mr Mandela's home to light candles and pay tribute to the man who put an end to apartheid and gave them their freedom.

 

While some of the mourners appeared sombre, a few others sang, danced and waved flags as they reveled the achievements of Mandela, their nation's pride.

Image Source: Daily Mail

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury