Mandela was a true Gandhian who devoted his entire life in the fight against injustice and inequality in South Africa, Kumar said in a condolence message.
He had earned respect and affection of the people across the world for the resolute manner in which he had led the movement to end the apartheid regime in South Africa over two decades ago, the chief minister said.
Succeeding generations of the people would continue to draw inspiration from Mandela's personality and leadership, he added.