Nelson Mandela, an icon of inspiration for humanity: Pranab Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed 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 said, he conveyed his profound grief and condolences over the loss of a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration for humanity.

Mandela, South Africa's first elected black president was widely respected for his role in fighting racism in the country, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison.

Aged 95, he died early this morning in Johannesburg, throwing South Africa in a state of mourning with tributes pouring in from all corners of the world.