Nelson Mandela redefined courage; lead his nation from the front: Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi Friday paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and said that he redefined the meaning of courage and sacrifice.

"Nelson Mandela was a true leader who lead his nation always from the front. He was an inspiration and support for millions," she said in the Lok Sabha as MPs paid tribute to the South African leader, who died Thursday night.

"He redefined the meaning of courage and sacrifice," she said adding that his courage was "superhuman".

"Like the Mahatma (Gandhi) who inspired him, he belonged to all humanity," she said.

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela passed away aged 95 Thursday at his home in Johannesburg.