OF MANDELA AND LESSONS FROM BEIJING

Years ago, I saw Nelson Mandela's dingy cell in South Africa’s 'Kalapani' Robben Island prison.

- SHASHI SHEKHAR

It was a 7x9 feet cage-like cell, where a six-feet tall Mandela spent 18 years of his youth.In the grey darkness filled listless cell, he worked out every day trying to keep himself mentally and physically fit. He spent 27 years in various prisons living the same life.

The world changed dramatically during this long period but Mandela, in solitary confinement, kept the flame of his struggle alive. Recently, he has been appearing often in my thoughts. Not because of his sacrifice or ideals, but for the cell where Mandela lived his prison term, trying to keep himself healthy and fit.

The toxic air in the National Capital Region has forced thousands to walk or work out within the confines of our homes.

Last Sunday was the limit. I got up a bit late and was stunned to look from my 17th floor home in Noida. Between me and the surface of the Mother Earth was a thick pall of grey smog. Clouds descend from the sky but the smog was rising from the ground up.