Tag: biography

Nelson Mandela’s Inspiring Journey: From Activist to President in 5 Key Milestones, a Legacy of Equality and Hope

Introduction: Nelson Mandela: Inspiring Life of a Heroic Leader | Biography and Legacy
Celebrating Nelson Mandela: Honoring the Inspiring Life of a Heroic Leader on His Birth Anniversary, 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day.
In this article, we delve into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, a renowned global icon born on 18 July 1918, Mvezo South Africa. From his humble beginnings in rural South Africa to his unwavering fight against apartheid and subsequent presidency, Mandela’s story is a testament to the triumph of justice, equality, and human rights. Join us as we explore the key milestones and significant contributions of this remarkable leader, whose unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation continues to inspire millions around the world.
Early Life and Education of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo, Transkei, South Africa. Coming from the Xhosa tribe, Mandela grew up in a society deeply affected by racial inequality and oppression. Despite the challenging circumstances, he showed remarkable academic promise and eventually attended the University of Fort Hare, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Activism Against Apartheid
Mandela’s journey as an activist against apartheid began in the 1940s. He joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political party that fought for the rights of black South Africans, and became increasingly involved in advocating for racial equality. Recognizing the power of nonviolent resistance, Mandela played a pivotal role in organizing peaceful protests, boycotts, and strikes.
However, as the apartheid regime intensified its oppressive measures, Mandela realized that more robust action was necessary. He co-founded the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), in 1961, leading a campaign of sabotage against government institutions. These actions ultimately resulted in his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Imprisonment and Robben Island
On June 12, 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for charges of sabotage and conspiracy against the state. He was incarcerated on Robben Island, a remote prison off the coast of Cape Town. Mandela’s imprisonment lasted for 27 years, during which he endured numerous hardships but remained resilient in his pursuit of justice.
While imprisoned, Mandela became a symbol of resistance against apartheid. His unwavering determination, coupled with international pressure, eventually led to his release on February 11, 1990, marking a pivotal moment in South African history.
Negotiations and Presidency
Following his release, Mandela dedicated himself to achieving a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. He led negotiations with then-President F.W. de Klerk, resulting in the dismantling of apartheid and the country’s first multiracial elections. In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa, a historic milestone that symbolized the triumph over racial injustice.
Legacy and Impact
Nelson Mandela’s impact extended far beyond his presidency. His leadership and vision laid the foundation for a new South Africa built on principles of equality, justice, and reconciliation. Mandela worked tirelessly to promote social harmony and healing, establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the atrocities committed during apartheid.

His commitment to peace and human rights earned him international acclaim, leading to numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela’s unwavering dedication to freedom and equality serves as an inspiration not only to South Africans but to people worldwide.
Conclusion : Inspiring the World
Nelson Mandela’s life exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and forgiveness. From his early activism to his presidency, his unwavering commitment to justice and equality continues to inspire a better future for all.
Nelson Mandela’s life journey embodies the indomitable spirit of a true hero. From his early activism to his remarkable presidency, he tirelessly fought for justice, equality, and human rights. Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire individuals and nations alike, reminding us of the transformative power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of a better world for all.

July 18, 2023
James Shapiro wins Baillie Gifford anniversary prize with ‘extraordinary’ Shakespeare biography 1599

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A book about a pivotal year in William Shakespeare’s life has been named the Baillie Gifford Winner of Winners in a special announcement to mark the 25th anniversary of the prestigious nonfiction prize.
James Shapiro’s 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare originally won the award in 2006, when it was known as the Samuel Johnson prize. He has been honoured again at a ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, and will receive £25,000. The chair of judges, the New Statesman’s editor-in-chief Jason Cowley, said it was a “poised and original reimagination of biography”.
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1599 by James Shapiro. Photograph: Faber
In 1599, Shakespeare completed Henry V, wrote Julius Caesar and As You Like It, and produced the first draft of Hamlet. In his book, Shapiro, who is professor of English at Columbia University, looks at how the political and social context of the time influenced the work.
Cowley was joined on the panel by Shahidha Bari and Sarah Churchwell, both authors and academics, and biographer Frances Wilson. Churchwell said Shapiro’s book had made her “look at four major plays in totally different ways; that is an extraordinary achievement”.
1599 was chosen from a shortlist of six that also included Craig Brown’s 2020 winner One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time, Wade Davis’s Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest, which won the prize in 2012, Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea, which won in 2010, 2021 winner Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe and Margaret MacMillan’s 2002 winner Paris 1919, which was originally published under the name Peacemakers.
The prize has been won by 16 men, including one person of colour, and eight women in its history. This gender balance was reflected in the shortlist for the Winner of Winners. Churchwell said the fact that Shapiro was a white man writing about a white author wasn’t something that the judging panel would hold against it, given that it was “a remarkable book”. But she said the judges did discuss the prize’s historical bias – which reflected the landscape of nonfiction publishing – saying the “vast majority of the [previously winning] books were by white men about western themes and subjects”.
“Over time the prize has been reflecting that changing sense of values and perspectives,” she added. “There have been many more women who have won in recent years; it’s still an overwhelmingly white cohort of winners.”
Churchwell said each book had to be judged on its merits, but added: “We also had to recognise there were structural inequalities, in bookselling, in publishing, over the last 25 years that were being reflected.”

In 2022 the prize was won by author and academic Katherine Rundell for Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne, who was up against four other women and one man on the shortlist.
Earlier this year, the Women’s Prize Trust announced it would be launching a nonfiction award to sit alongside its long-running fiction prize, after research found that female nonfiction writers are less likely to be reviewed or win prizes than their male counterparts.
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( With inputs from : www.theguardian.com )

April 28, 2023
Boney Kapoor announces biography on late wife, legendary actress Sridevi

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Mumbai: Filmmaker Boney Kapoor on Thursday announced the biography of his late wife and legendary actress Sridevi titled ‘The Life of a Legend’.
He took to social media to make the announcement.
Boney said: “Sridevi was a force of nature. She was the happiest when she shared her art on screen with her fans but she was also a fiercely private person.”
The book is penned by Dhiraj Kumar who the actress considered family.
“Dhiraj Kumar is who she considered family. He was a researcher, writer & columnist. We are happy that he is writing the book that befits her extraordinary life.”
The book draws a complete portrait of Sridevi, the quintessential superstar who has an unmatched career in Indian cinema. She worked in over 300 films across 50 years in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.
She was conferred the Padma Shri, won National Film Awards, State Government Awards and International Awards.

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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 9, 2023