NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid rich tributes to the veteran South African leader Nalsen Mandela, who raised his voice against racial discrimination. Mr Modi in a message on his International Day said,” Remembering the apostle of peace, a shining beacon of democracy and a champion of equality, the beloved Madiba on Nelson Mandela Day.” Mandela is fondly addressed as Madiba by the people of South Africa. He was born on July 18, 1918 and passed away in 2013 at the age of 95. The United Nations in November 2009 had declared the day to be marked as his birthday. The day was first celebrated in the year 2010. (AGENCIES)