African National Congress (ANC), the present ruling party of South Africa, is celebrating its 100 years of existence in a very grand way. ANC was formed at Bloemfontein , with the aim of fighting for the independence of the country from the British imperialists. It got inspiration from the non-violence struggle launched by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, when he was practising in South Africa. It is coincidal that Gandhiji returned to India on this day (9th January) in  1915.

The ANC  turned to armed struggle as part of the independence struggle by 1960s. Nelson Mandela, the unquestioned leader of the ANC and other top leaders were arrested and kept in jail for decades and was released only after strong international pressure and other compulsions. SA got independence in 1994.

The leaders of the African National Congress like Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and others sacrificed their entire lives for the freedom of their country. On the celebration of the 100th years of formation of ANC, I convey my Best Wishes to the people of South Africa!