Indian connection of 'Gandhian' Nelson Mandela

''Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all,'' said Nelson Mandela, often called as the 'Gandhi of South Africa.'

Also watch:Barack Obama honours Mandela on his 100th birth anniversary in Johannesburg

As the world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nelson's Mandela birth on July 18, let's have a look at his connection with India and Mahatma Gandhi.

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He first visited India in 1990 when he was released from jail after more than 27 years for leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Soon after Mandela’s release, the government of India had honoured Mandela with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

He chose the land of Gandhi as his first destination, whom he called his 'political guru' and a 'role model.'

An avowed Gandhian, Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately known around the world, always praised Gandhi for his principles of 'Satya and Ahimsa' and followed his philosophy.

"The Mahatma is an integral part of our history because it is here that he first experimented with truth here that he demonstrated his characteristic firmness in pursuit of justice here that he developed Satyagraha as a philosophy and a method of struggle," Mandela said at an unveiling of Gandhi Memorial in South Africa in 1993.

As South Africa's first black President from 1994 to 1999, Mandela drove close relations with India and the two countries forged bonds over groupings like IBSA and BRICS as a result of that closeness described by Mandela himself some years ago.

He will be remembered as much as an Indian leader and an inspirational figure in India.

(With inputs from agencies)