Nelson Mandela no more: As events unfolded on Friday

Nelson Mandela, who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in his long struggle to dismantle the apartheid regime in South Africa and served as its first black president, died at his home here today at the age of 95 after a protracted illness.

Zee Media Bureau/Kamna Arora/Biplob Ghosal 7:15 pm: Mandela will have state burial on Dec 15: President Zuma South Africa President Jacob Zuma said that Nelson Mandela will be laid to rest on December 15. US President Barack Obama will travel to South Africa next week to pay respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela and to participate in memorial events, his spokesperson said. First Lady Michelle Obama would accompany the President. The state funeral is expected to take place in Qunu - the village where he was born. Also Read: Mandela, the man once branded a `terrorist` by the US 6:30 pm: Some worry Mandela’s death might stir racial tensions South Africans united in mourning for Nelson Mandela on Friday, but some feared the anti-apartheid hero`s death could leave their country vulnerable again to racial and social tensions that he did so much to pacify. Despite reassurances from leaders and public figures that Mandela`s passing, while sorrowful, would not halt South Africa`s advance away from its bitter apartheid past, some still expressed a sense of unease about the physical absence of a man famed as a peacemaker. "It`s not going to be good, hey! I think it`s going to become a more racist country. People will turn on each other and chase foreigners away," said Sharon Qubeka, 28, a secretary from Tembisa township as she headed to work in Johannesburg. 5:55 pm: Mandela `my leader`, says Malala Pakistani teen activist Malala Yousafzai, shot in the head by Taliban for campaigning for girl education in her country, Friday described former South African President Nelson Mandela as "my leader" and said he was a "perpetual inspiration" for people across the globe. "Nelson Mandela is physically separated from us but his soul and spirit will never die. He belongs to the whole world because he is an icon of equality, freedom and love, the values we need all the time everywhere," the 16-year-old said in her condolence message. Also Read: Mandela, the "Gandhi of South Africa" had strong Indian connections 5:15 pm: Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to Nelson Mandela Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar paid heartfelt tribute to former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, saying the anti-apartheid icon was a "truly inspirational human being". "When I met Mr Mandela it was one of the most memorable days of my life. A truly inspirational human being....," wrote Tendulkar on his twitter account. "He will live on in my heart forever. R.I.P," he further wrote. Also Read: Nelson Mandela in his own words 4:30 pm: Mandela `one of the greatest modern politicians`: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Nelson Mandela as "one of the greatest politicians in modern times", saying the former South African president was a man who never betrayed his convictions. "Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was committed to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice," Putin was quoted as saying in a Kremlin statement. "A whole era of modern African history is connected with the name of Nelson Mandela, which is marked by victory over apartheid and building the democratic South Africa," the statement said. 4:00 pm: South Africans pay tribute to Mandela As flags were lowered to half mast, people across South Africa commemorated Nelson Mandela with song, tears and prayers as the government prepared funeral ceremonies that will draw leaders and other dignitaries from around the globe. A black SUV-type vehicle containing Mandela`s coffin, draped in South Africa`s flag, pulled away from Mandela`s home after midnight, escorted by military motorcycle outriders, to take the body to a military morgue in Pretoria, the capital. Mandela, also known by his clan name Madiba, was a "very human person" with a sense of humour who took interest in people around him, said FW de Klerk, South Africa`s last apartheid-era president. 2:40 pm: Mandela`s family `overwhelmed` Nelson Mandela`s grandson has expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of support since the 95-year-old`s death, saying his family had been "overwhelmed" by the response. "The messages we have received since last night have heartened and overwhelmed us," said Mandla Mandela, the first public comment from the former president`s family since his death. 2:30 pm: Tony Blair on Mandela Former British prime minister Tony Blair tells BBC that Mandela was a "great man" who had made racism "not just immoral but stupid". 1:53 pm: India mourns Mandela`s death The Indian government announces five-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela. 12:40 pm: Queen "deeply saddened" by Mandela`s death Britain`s Queen says she is "deeply saddened" by Nelson Mandela`s death, saying he "worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today". The Prince of Wales also pays tribute to the former South African leader. He says: "Mr Mandela was the embodiment of courage and reconciliation. He was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life." 12:31 pm: Kenyan President on Mandela On Twitter, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta says: "It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the passing away of ‘Shujaa’ Nelson Mandela, an outstanding African statesman and icon." 12:30 pm: Mandela`s body moved to military hospital Former South African president Nelson Mandela’s body has been taken to a military hospital in Pretoria, a media report said. 12:25 pm: Obama expected to travel to South Africa A report says US President Barack Obama may travel to South Africa to mourn the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela. The state funeral is expected to take place on December 14 in Qunu - the village where he was born. 11:06 am: Dalai Lama `very sad`; Suu Kyi expresses grief In a letter sent to the family of Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama said he would miss a "dear friend" who he hailed as "a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity". Following the announcement of the death of Mandela aged 95, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement on his website that "the best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to contribute to honouring the oneness of humanity and working for peace and reconciliation as he did". Meanwhile, Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi said of her fellow Nobel Peace laureate: "I would like to express my extreme grief at the passing away of a man who stood for human rights and for equality in this world." "He made us all understand that nobody should be penalised for the colour of his skin, for the circumstances into which he is born." 10:11 am: Indian PM on Mandela India`s Prime Minister PM Manmohan Singh mourns the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela. Speaking at a summit, Dr Singh says India regards Mandela as a true Gandhian in spirit and idea. "In a world marked by division, his was an example of working for harmony," adds the Indian PM. "He represented the conscious of the world". 9:35 am: India`s President condoles Mandela’s death In his condolence message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, "President Mandela was a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration of humanity. He was a great friend of India and his contribution for strengthening the close ties between our two countries will be always remembered". Mandela was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 in honour of his contribution to the friendship between the two countries. In a brief televised address, Mukherjee said: “The whole world knows of and remembers the contribution of this great personality." 8:17 am: India tweets its condolences India`s opposition candidate for prime minister Narendra Modi says: "The world has lost an apostle of peace & non-violence who redefined the journey of his nation for the good of humankind...My heartfelt condolences to Nelson Mandela`s family & the people of South Africa. We stand by them in this hour of grief."

Many of us are not fortunate to see Gandhi ji alive. We are blessed to see the life of Nelson Mandela, who embodied his values & ideals.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2013

RIP Madiba. I'm honoured to have met you. Thank you for one of my most prized possessions - your signed book pic.twitter.com/kGrofQkkav

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 6, 2013

It is a sad day for humanity today. World will never forget @NelsonMandela and his thoughts & teachings will live with us forever. Prayers.— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) December 6, 2013

He was one of the greatest leaders of the modern world who inspired people around the world with his actions. Heartfelt tributes to Mandela.— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) December 6, 2013

We mourn the sad demise of one of the greatest Statesman of our time Nelson Mandela who I had the pleasure of meeting when I went to SA.

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) December 6, 2013

The world has lost a great leader. Nelson Mandela was the father of a free South Africa where all people had equal rights. He will be missed— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) December 6, 2013

8:12 am: Mandela`s daughters leave London premiere Mandela`s two daughters heard about the demise of their father while attending the London premiere of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”. Zindzi and Zenani were informed of the news by telephone "and immediately left the cinema," according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 7:50 am: China reacts to Mandela`s death China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei says that Mandela was an "old friend of the Chinese people". 7:41 am: Indian PM on Nelson Mandela India`s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says: "A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India`s loss as South Africa`s. He was a true Gandhian." He adds:

PM: His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul.— Dr Manmohan Singh (@PMOIndia) December 6, 2013

7:32 am: Mandela, an icon of inspiration for humanity, says India`s President India`s President Pranab Mukherjee expresses profound grief over the death of global anti- apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela, saying, he was an "icon of inspiration for humanity". In his message, he says that he conveyed his profound grief and condolences over the loss of a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration for humanity. 7:30 am: South Africa creates a dedicated website The South African government has created a dedicated website where all announcements and information about the state funeral of Nelson Mandela will be uploaded. 7:05 am: Prince William speaks of sadness While leaving the London premiere of a film celebrating the life of Mandela, Britain`s Prince William said the iconic anti-apartheid fighter`s death was "extremely sad and tragic". Notably, Mandela`s daughter Zindzi was also attending the screening of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”. 6:20 am: Michelle Obama on Mandela United States First Lady Michelle Obama tweets, "We will forever draw strength and inspiration from Nelson Mandela`s extraordinary example of moral courage, kindness, and humility." Barack Obama has ordered all flags in the US to fly at half-mast until sunset on Monday, December 9. 6:00 am: Sports world responds to Mandela`s death Fans attending the second Ashes cricket Test match observe a minute`s silence to mark Mandela`s demise. Meanwhile, International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset releases a statement: "I am so proud that the Rugby family could play its small part in supporting Mr Mandela`s efforts to establish the new South Africa and that our tournament came to symbolise the emergence of a new nation. He changed the world and we were privileged to witness and embrace his work." From Ireland, rock singer and activist Bono writes in Time Magazine, "Without Mandela, would Africa be experiencing its best decade of growth and poverty reduction? His indispensability can`t be proved with math and metrics, but I know what I believe." Also Read: RIP Nelson Mandela: Global tributes make ‘Madiba’ Twitter’s top trending topic 5:37 am: More reactions Spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clayson Monyela tweets that all of the country`s 126 embassies across the world are ready for people to come and sign Nelson Mandela condolences message books. On Facebook, former president of South Africa Thabo Mbeki writes: "As we mourn President Mandela`s passing we must ask ourselves the fundamental question - what shall we do to respond to the tasks of building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa, a people centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and inequality, as well as Africa`s renaissance, to whose attainment President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?" Former head of the IAEA nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei declares, "Let freedom reign. Humanity has lost its greatest son." Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff says, "The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world." 5:26 am: More tributes pour in Football great Pele tweets, "(Mandela) was a hero to me. He was a friend and a companion in the popular fight and the fight for world peace." European Union President Herman Van Rompuy tweets, "Nelson Mandela - one of the greatest political figures of our times. Let`s honour his memory by collective commitment to democracy." European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso tweets, "Mandela changed course of history for his people, country, continent & the world. My thoughts are with his family and people of #SouthAfrica." US Secretary of State John Kerry issues a statement: "Nelson Mandela was a stranger to hate. He rejected recrimination in favour of reconciliation and knew the future demands we move beyond the past. He gave everything he had to heal his country and lead it back into the community of nations, including insisting on relinquishing his office and ensuring there would be a peaceful transfer of power. Today, people all around the world who yearn for democracy look to Mandela`s nation and its democratic Constitution as a hopeful example of what is possible." 4:50 am: People gather outside Mandela`s home A news agency reports that a crowd of more than 500 people of different races gather outside Mandela`s home for an impromptu vigil singing anti-apartheid songs. Meanwhile, philanthropist Bill Gates tweets: "Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day." Nigeria`s President Goodluck Jonathan says: Mandela`s "death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent." 4:10 am: Mandela mourned world over In an official statement, the African National says: "With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the African National Congress received the sad news of the passing of our Isithwalandwe and former President, Comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of millions; here and abroad." Archbishop Desmond Tutu announces that he will address media in Cape Town on December 6 and offered a prayer for South Africa. US President Barack Obama mourns Mandela as a "profoundly good" man who "took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice." Obama concludes by saying: "He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages." Former UK PM Gordon Brown offers praise for Mandela. In Brazil, FIFA president Sepp Blatter says: "He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life. When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg`s Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced." 4:01 am: World mourns death of Mandela A news agency reports residents of Mandela`s Houghton neighbourhood walk arm through surrounding streets toward his house. Meanwhile, on microblogging website Twitter, Nelson Mandela Foundation tweets: "Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people&his country,he can rest in peace" #Madiba" UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calls Mandela "a giant for justice". French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius salutes him as "a charismatic giant". Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny pays tribute to the "gift" of Mandela. "The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," he said in a statement. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, in the meantime, tells Fairfax radio, "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa, arguably one of the great figures of the last century." A number of former US presidents have also released statements and tweets. Bill Clinton tweets a photo with Mandela and says: "I will never forget my friend Madiba." George HW Bush says: "Barbara and I mourn the passing of one of the greatest believers in freedom we have had the privilege to know. As President, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment -- setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all." George W Bush says: "Laura and I join the people of South Africa and the world in celebrating the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on forever." Jimmy Carter says, "Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela. The people of South Africa and human rights advocates around the world have lost a great leader. His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide, and because of him, South Africa is today one of the world`s leading democracies." 3:45 am: British PM on Mandela British Prime Minister David Cameron says "a great light had gone out" following Nelson Mandela`s death, adding that flags would be flown at half-mast at his Downing Street Office. 3:30 am: South African President announces Nelson Mandela`s demise South African President Jacob Zuma addresses the nation to inform them of the passing of Nelson Mandela at 95 years old. A sombre Zuma said, "Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed. He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20:50 on the 5th of December, 2013. He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son." Zuma announces that all flags will fly at half-mast from tomorrow until after the state funeral. Zuma reminds his nation, "As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified. "Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family. "Let us commit ourselves to strive together… to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.