Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a towering figure in global humanitarian efforts, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center confirmed his peaceful passing, surrounded by his family, following a period of hospice care since February 2023. His death marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to public service, human rights, and global peace.Tributes from Around the WorldPresident Joe Biden led the global tributes, describing Carter as an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” In a statement, Biden said: “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people—decent, courageous, and compassionate.” Former presidents and world leaders echoed these sentiments, recognising Carter’s unmatched contributions to diplomacy and humanitarian work. Plans for a state funeral in Washington, D.C., were announced to honour his life and legacy.A Humble BeginningBorn on 1 October 1924 in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. grew up during the Great Depression. His upbringing on a peanut farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep connection to rural America. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, Carter served as a naval officer, specialising in submarine operations, before returning to Plains to manage the family farm following his father’s passing.Carter entered public life as a Georgia state senator in 1963 and later served as governor from 1971 to 1975. His political career was defined by his commitment to civil rights, racial equality, and environmental conservation. His 1976 presidential campaign, running on a platform of honesty and reform in the wake of the Watergate scandal, struck a chord with an American public yearning for integrity in leadership. Presidential Achievements and ChallengesCarter’s presidency, from 1977 to 1981, was marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges. Domestically, he championed energy independence, initiating policies that laid the groundwork for renewable energy advancements. On the international stage, his greatest triumph came in brokering the Camp David Accords, a landmark peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Carter described the accords as his proudest accomplishment, stating, “We brought together two nations that had been at war for decades, and we helped them achieve peace.”Despite these successes, Carter’s presidency faced economic difficulties, including high inflation and unemployment, as well as the Iran hostage crisis. The 444-day ordeal overshadowed much of his term and contributed to his defeat in the 1980 election. “I’ve learned that presidents are judged not just by the actions they take, but by the outcomes,” Carter later reflected.Redefining the Post-PresidencyFew individuals have redefined the role of a former president as Carter did. In 1982, he and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing human rights, democracy, and public health. The centre monitored over 100 elections worldwide and led efforts to eradicate diseases such as Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from millions to mere dozens. Carter’s hands-on involvement, from disease eradication campaigns to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, earned him widespread admiration.In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The Nobel Committee acknowledged his unwavering commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.Carter’s deep faith and humility defined his personal life. A lifelong member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, he continued teaching Sunday school well into his 90s. “Faith has always guided my decisions,” he said, “and it’s given me strength in the most difficult times.”Despite criticism during his presidency, historians have reassessed Carter’s legacy, highlighting his visionary energy policies, commitment to human rights, and environmental stewardship. His ability to forge personal connections with people worldwide remains a hallmark of his leadership style.Reflecting on his life, Carter once remarked: “I’ve had an exciting, adventurous, and gratifying existence. I hope I’ve made a difference.” Few would dispute that he did.As the world bids farewell to Jimmy Carter, his life’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion, service, and humility. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a better, more just world.(With inputs from AP)
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