Rare pics of Nelson Mandela (including his India visit)

New Delhi: Nelson Mandela, who passed away on Thursday, exemplified the struggle for justice and equality. His journey from an angry anti-apartheid activist to South African President is truly remarkable and unparalleled in the history of humankind.Mandela with first wife Evelyn in 1944Born on July 18, 1918, Mandela served as South African President from 10 May 1994 – 14 June 1999.Mandela with second wife Winnie who he married in 1958Mandela has always shared a personal bond with India. He has visited India on a few occasions. Nelson Mandela with his third wife Graca MachelThe Indian government also conferred ‘Bharat Ratna', the highest civilian award of India, on Nelson Mandela for his contribution in public affairs in 1990.Let's have a look at some of the rarest pictures of his personal life and political journey:The brave leader , who died on Thursday, spent 27 years in jail fighting apartheidHis continuous opposition against South Africa's white minority government gained him numerous followersMandela with President Pranab MukherjeeMandela with Prime Minister Manmohan SinghMandela with Congess chief Sonia GandhiMandela with former cricketer Suni GavaskarMandela with Priyanka VadraMandela with Priyanka VadraThere was a time when Nelson Mandela's name was synonymous with freedomHe was given his present name `Nelson' during his primary school days where it was a usual practice to rename every child with a Christian nameHis first step towards eminence came in 1948 with Afrikaner nationalists of the Nationalist party hitting power and bringing the policy of Apartheid in effect.He was not only elected as the President of Transvaal ANC Branch but also at looked after the 1955 Congress of the People.Mandela with veteran BJP leader Atal Bihari VajpayeeMandela with veteran BJP leader Atal Bihari VajpayeeMandela with Aishwarya Rai BachachanMandela with Michael JacksonMandela with Michael JacksonMandela with Michael JacksonMandela with Michael JacksonMandela's political career was full him controversiesHe has been awarded with over 250 awards which includes the Nobel Prize in 1993. He is often seen as the `Father of the Nation' by many South AfricansMany folklores and folksongs have been woven around the life of this great freedom fighter.Nalsen Mandela in his younger daysNalsen Mandela on his wedding dayMandela opted for law as a subject and went to Fort Hare University and University of WitwatersrandMandela on his wedding dayMandela lost his father at an early age and joined the Jongintaba at the Great Place in MqhekezweniHe was inspired by tales of bravery and fearlessness his ancestor's showed during their struggle for independenceHis inspiration ignited a feeling of working towards the freedom of his peopleWhile living in Johannesburg, he joined African National Congress and laid foundation for his Youth LeagueMandela with Michelle ObamaMandela with Michelle Obama and her 2 daughtersHis first step towards eminence came in 1948 with Afrikaner nationalists of the Nationalist party hitting power and bringing the policy of Apartheid in effectDefiance Campaign launched by the ANC in 1952 set a platform for MandelaHe was not only elected as the President of Transvaal ANC Branch but also at looked after the 1955 Congress of the People.His rebellious activities landed him in jail many timesHe was acted against under the Treason Trial but was not termed guiltyHis approach towards opposing the racist policies initially remained non-violent but with his growing association with South African Communist party led him co-finding the militant Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961