Nelson Mandela demise:How Manmohan Singh,Narendra Modi, celebs reacted

Bangalore, Dec 6: South Africa's first elected black president and a global anti-apartheid icon -- Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. President Jacob Zuma, while issuing an official statement on Friday, Dec 6, said, "Fellow South Africans, our beloved...the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed."

Zuma ordered all flags in the nation to be flown at half-staff till the funeral. Mandela, who was popularly called as Madiba, had been battling health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalisations.

Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid before becoming the country's first black leader, had faced several health scares.

Relatives, well-wishers, supporters and followers of Mandela family gathered outside their Johannesburg house. Meanwhile, Indian politicians including the President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi and many other celebrities mourned the death of Mandela.

President of India said that Mandela 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.

See how other celebrities and politicians reacted on Mandela's demise:

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2013 '>

Narendra Modi mourns Mandela's demise

BJP PM candidate mourned the demise of the legend.

— Dr Manmohan Singh (@PMOIndia) December 6, 2013 '>

Manmohan Singh mourns Mandela's demise

The PM mourned Mandela's death

— Nirupama Rao (@NMenonRao) December 6, 2013 '>

Nirupama Rao mourns Mandela's death

She also tweeted, "I wish we could internalize #Madiba 's life message that acts of mercy are far greater than acts of retribution. Somewhere we lost our way."

pic.twitter.com/kGrofQkkav

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 6, 2013 '>

Omar Abdullah mourns Mandela's demise

Jammu Kashmir CM was one among those who turned to micro-blogging site to express their condolences.

— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) December 6, 2013 '>

Bollywood actor Rahul Bose on Mandela

Bollywood actor Rahul Bose too expressed his condolence.

Ratan Tata on Nelson Mandela

The iconic business tycoon of India, Ratan Tata mourned Mandela's demise.

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee on Mandela

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee tweetd about Mandela.

Sagarika Ghosh on Nelson Mandela

One of the renowned journalists Sagarika Ghosh mourned demise of Mandela.

Rajdeep Sardesai remembers Mandela

He also tweeted, "The great quality of Mandela: compassion; don't think he ever said a word in hate/anger. (Lesson to our netas!)"