essay on nelson mandela for class 10

English Compositions

Short Essay on Nelson Mandela [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Nelson Mandela was a political leader and a former president of South Africa. For his contribution to restoring peace and stability in the region, he is still remembered around the world. In today’s session, you will learn about the life of Nelson Mandela in order to write an essay on this eminent person for your upcoming exam.

Table of Contents

• Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 100 Words 
• Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 200 Words 
• Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 400 Words 

Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 100 Words

Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders and freedom fighters of South Africa. He was born on 18th July 1918. He studied law and became a successful lawyer. While practising law, he got involved in anti-apartheid, anti-colonial, nationalist movements and soon joined the African National Congress.

South Africa, at that time, was ruled by a white-only government and blacks were discriminated against in their own country. Mandela, along with other revolutionaries, fought against the oppressive rule. Because of their efforts, the white supremacist government was finally overthrown and Nelson Mandela became the first president of a multi-racial democratic South Africa in 1994. He was also the country’s first black president. He died on 5th December 2013, aged 95. He will always be remembered as an icon of democracy and social justice.

Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 200 Words

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African revolutionary leader and freedom fighter who played an important role in ending apartheid in the country. He was born on 18th July 1918 in a village called Mzevo into the Thembu royal family. Although his family was illiterate, he was sent to study in a local school by his mother.

He later studied law and started working as a lawyer in Johannesburg. While he was still studying, he faced racism and saw the terrible political state of his country. Soon, he started getting involved in anti-apartheid, anti-colonial, nationalist movements and joined the African National Congress. 

South Africa, at that time, was ruled by a whites-only government, and blacks were discriminated against in their own country. Mandela, along with other revolutionaries, fought against the oppressive rule and was repeatedly arrested and imprisoned. However, even after spending a total of 27 years in jail, Mandela did not give up and continued with his efforts to end apartheid in the country. 

Finally, after decades of struggle, South Africa rose as a multi-racial democratic country and Nelson Mandela became its first president in 1994. He was also the country’s first-ever black president. He was an advocate of human rights and brought peace and stability to his country. Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders in the world and he will always be remembered as an icon of democracy and social justice. 

Short Essay on Nelson Mandela in 400 Words

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was one of the most important leaders in the history of South Africa as well as the world. He was born on 18th July 1918 in a village called Mzevo into the Thembu royal family. Although his family was illiterate, he was sent to study in a local school by his mother.

He later studied law and started working as a lawyer in Johannesburg. While he was still studying, he came face-to-face with racism and saw the terrible political state of his country. Soon, he started getting involved in anti-apartheid, anti-colonial, nationalist movements and joined the African National Congress. 

South Africa, at that time, was ruled by a whites-only government, and blacks were discriminated against in their own country. Mandela, along with other revolutionaries like Anton Lembede and Oliver Tambo, fought against the oppressive rule and was repeatedly arrested and imprisoned.

However, even after spending a total of 27 years in jail, Mandela did not give up and continued with his efforts to end apartheid in the country. He led defiance campaigns against the government as well as the mass stay-at-home strikes. He also joined hands with anti-apartheid leaders around the world and trained in guerilla warfare. 

Nelson Mandela and his fellow leaders worked hard to end apartheid and bring justice to the millions of black Africans who had been suffering under the white supremacist government. After decades of struggle for freedom and equality, South Africa rose as a multi-racial democratic country in 1994, with the first fully democratic elections held on 27th April 1994.

The African National Congress, under the leadership of Mandela, won the elections by a huge margin and Nelson was sworn as the first president of a democratic South Africa. He held office till 1999 and was focused on national unity and reconciliation. 

Nelson Mandela’s government worked a lot for the betterment of society, granting old-age pensions, free healthcare for young children and pregnant women, building houses, providing electricity and connectivity as well as making proper education available for kids. Even after retiring from the political scene, he continued to work towards rural development, school construction and combating HIV/AIDS. He died on 5th December 2013 after suffering from a respiratory infection. 

Nelson Mandela was an advocate of human rights and brought peace and stability to his country. He was one of the greatest leaders in the world and he will always be remembered as an icon of democracy and social justice. 

That’s all about my presentation on the life of Nelson Mandela. Hopefully, this session has become able to fulfil your requirement.  If you have any doubts regarding this session, kindly let me know through the comment section below. 

To get the latest updates on our upcoming sessions, please join us on Telegram. Thanks for being with us. All the best. 

• Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Summary Class 10 English

Summary of Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Long Walk to Freedom is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, who was the former South African President. This article is for Nelson Mandela long walk to freedom summary. This chapter is the extracts from the “Long Walk to Freedom” book. It includes the description of the inauguration ceremony and citations from his speech and about his journey to being a freedom fighter. It says about the other countless people who fought for their freedom.   In South Africa, a brutal practice named “apartheid” was very popular in those days. It referred to the discrimination between people on the basis of their race and colour. It was one of the most brutal societies in which dark-skinned people were deprived of their basic rights. This lesson gives us an overview of the struggles of Mandela for making the society with no discrimination on the basis of their colour, caste, race, age or gender.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Summary in English

“A Long to Freedom”, by Nelson Mandela is all about the struggle of freedom of South-Africa. On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela has taken the vow as the first black president of South Africa. And therefore it was becoming a new-born democratic country. Nelson Mandela took the oath as the first black president.

Many dignitaries from different countries had come to be part of the most significant day. In his speech, Mandela thanked all those dignitaries. Mandela assured his countrymen that his country would never ever experience the same suppression of one by another. Democracy had been established in South Africa and as a result, a government of no discrimination was established.

Read more English Chapter Summaries here

The people of South Africa sang two National Anthems as a symbol of that day. Mandela recalled that the reason for this movement was that Black-skinned people were exploited by the White people. He said that this type of suppression of people of South Africa is the origin of many stars. People must learn to hate first, because if they hate then they can be taught to love, as love comes from the opposite circumstances. He also says that a brave man is not that who does not feel afraid but who conquers it.

In life, a man has two major obligations. First towards his family, to his parents, to his wife and to his children and second on the other hand obligation towards his country, people and the community. Everyone fulfils his duty as per his inclination and interest. But it was very tough to fulfil in a country like South Africa. When Mandela became an adult then he understood that his freedom was only an illusion. In fact, he was the slave of exploitation. He also understood that not only he was a slave but his other family members were also.

According to him, Freedom is also mandatory for them who were suppressing others in the past. They also have the right to have it because snatcher of other’s freedom is a prisoner of the same. Thus, the oppressor is as much a prisoner as the oppressed. The oppressor too is not free.

Conclusion of Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

The brave man is not the one who does not feel afraid, but he is the one who conquers that fear. Mandela said that every man has his duties towards his country and community too.

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NCERT Solutions Class 10 English Chapter 2: A Long Walk to Freedom Class

• Updated on  
• Jan 13, 2024

A Long Walk to Freedom is the 2nd chapter of the Class 10 English syllabus , which is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and first black prime minister who served South Africa from 1994 -1999. The following is the summary of A Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 and the prose section which includes Mandela’s inauguration ceremony and excerpts from his speeches which illustrate the struggles Mandela had to undergo as a freedom fighter. Let’s learn everything about a long walk to Freedom Class 10 notes.

This Blog Includes:

Nelson mandela a long walk to freedom class 10 summary, a long walk to freedom class 10 notes, a long walk to freedom class 10  ppt, nelson mandela class 10 questions and answers.

A Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 PDF

After nearly three centuries of white supremacy in South Africa, the country witnessed its first Black President, Nelson Mandela who be won the first and foremost democratic elections on May 10, 1994. Mandela’s party clocked in a historic win with 252 votes out of 400. A Long Walk to Freedom chapter in Class 10 is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography which elucidates the struggle faced by the black community in South Africa riddled with apartheid. Here is a summary of A Long Walk to Freedom:

• Mandela took his oath as the President in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria in the presence of several prominent political figures and world leaders across the globe. He commenced his speech by addressing all the dignitaries and assured the citizens they would never experience similar suppression of one group over another.
• Nelson Mandela vowed that in the democratic country that he’d established there would never be discrimination against people, irrespective of caste, colour, creed or race and that government would treat people with due respect and equality.
• On this historic inauguration, the country’s citizens sang 2 national anthems. The white people sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the black people recited the iconic ‘Die Stem’ which was a stark reminder of the exploitation of the black community in South Africa.
• Deeply pained by the racist history, Nelson Mandela said that this type of discrimination of black people in their very own land was one of the harshest and most inhuman the world had ever known. He emphasised that people are not born to hate others on the basis of skin colour, background or religion and they can be taught to love because love comes naturally to human beings than hate. 

Must Read: Nelson Mandela International Day

• An important part of Mandela’s speech in A Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 extract, Mandela stated that a man has 2 obligations in his life; one towards his family and the other towards his motherland, countrymen and community and as per their own interests and inclinations, man is able to fulfil these obligations. However, as a black man in a country like South Africa, Mandela found it increasingly difficult to do so. As he became an adult, Mandela saw freedom as an illusion for his community.
• Mandela further believed that freedom was indivisible for all. Still, he saw that the black community is facing oppression and tyranny. It emulated the profound idea that the oppressor must be liberated just like the oppressed because a person who snatches another’s freedom is also a prisoner of similar oppression. Therefore the oppressor wasn’t any freer than the oppressed because they were bound by the same chains of oppression.

Must Read: Education of Nelson Mandela

Here is a rundown of this chapter to help you quickly revise A Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela:

• The chapter Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom starts with Nelson Mandela talking about how it is a beautiful day for the country since they are getting their first non-white democratically elected government. He then tells the names of the people who become deputy Presidents before he takes his oath as the president in the presence of foreign dignitaries, people of his beloved country, army officials and his daughter – Zenani.
• This beautiful grand inauguration was the first and largest gathering of international leaders in South Africa. His first speech as the president of South Africa hails this glorious moment as the victory of justice, peace and human dignity, which has been achieved with great difficulty after a very long fight against Apartheid. He concludes the speech by pledging to uplift his country’s people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and discrimination.
• He also describes all the beautiful things that happen in the ceremony, like the show that jets, troop carriers and helicopters do with beautiful stunts and colours of the African national flag. When the defence forces and police salute and pledge loyalty to him, he is mindful of how far they have come because a few years before this day, the same officers would have arrested him instead of saluting him. The 2 national anthems playing with the whites singing the African and the Africans singing the anthem, which the state previously used, symbolized the harmony and peace he wanted to see in his country.
• Mandela seems a little overwhelmed when he takes his contemporary fighters’ names who worked and sacrificed for their country’s freedom and this day. He feels he is “the total of all the African patriots” who came before him and is saddened that he cannot personally thank them for all that they did for the country. He says he is no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but he discovered that he could not enjoy whatever little freedom he had with the knowledge that his people were not free either.

Must Read: How Does Nelson Mandela Define the Meaning of Courage?

In Nelson Mandela’s A Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela stated his belief that his country is rich in minerals and metals, but the people of his country were the real greatest wealth for him “finer and truer than the purest diamond”. Nelson Mandela believes “No one is born hating another person because of his skin colour or background or religion.”

According to Mandela, people are born free of such prejudices. He says that the oppressor and the oppressed both needed to be liberated – the oppressor from their inhuman condition and the oppressor from their prison of hatred. Believing that men learn to hate, he says they can learn to love, which is easier because love comes easier to people than hate.

Here is the speech by Nelson Mandela that is covered in this chapter:

Also Read: The Frog and the Nightingale Summary Class 10 English

Here are some important questions and answers for A Long Walk to Freedom Class 10:

Ans. He referred to the heinous practice of apartheid as “an extraordinary human disaster”. During apartheid in South Africa, there was racial segregation which caused immense suffering to the black community. Demand for freedom or any kind of basic human right was a far-fetched dream. Mandela was himself imprisoned in the infamous “Robben Island” and beaten mercilessly. He considered becoming the 1st Black Prime Minister in South Africa a glorious achievement because South Africa was a country that would even regard black people as human beings let alone give them positions of power.

Ans. The book was published in December 1994. There is also a movie on it available on Netflix if you are interested to learn more about the book.

Ans. Mandela’s swearing-in ceremony was historic because not too long ago blacks were considered outlaws in their own motherland. Mandela was honoured to have the international leaders witness this historical moment. Not only was this a sign of international recognition of a newly born democratic South Africa, it was also the victory of peace, justice and humanity.

Ans. Growing up, freedom for Mandela meant making merry and living a blissful life. But as he grew he realized his childhood antics were wasteful from an adult perspective. As an adult freedom for him meant an honourable existence, earning one’s daily bread and fending for the family.

Ans. The story revolves around the theme of getting freedom after a very long struggle due to the courage of all the people who sacrificed so much for equality and peace in the country, much like India’s own freedom struggle. The celebration when a country gets its freedom is also shown in the story.

Ans. The moral of the story is that the oppressor and the oppressed both lose humanity. One through hatred and the other through oppression and hence both need to be liberated from these inhumane prisons. Mandela’s belief that people are born free of hatred and learn it later is also a very enlightening lesson we learn from the chapter. The people learn to hate and therefore they can also learn to love is a beautiful takeaway from the lesson.

Ans. Apartheid was the political system in South Africa due to which people were discriminated against based on their skin colour hence the native black people had almost negligible rights and freedom. The generals who would have arrested Nelson Mandela a few years ago saluted him and pledged their loyalty to him because he had been one of the key members in their fight against apartheid and now they had won the fight. Nelson was the new president and there was no difference between white and black.

Ans. On 10 th May, 1994 the first democratically elected government was established with their first non-white president as Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Hence it is a moment of glorious historical significance for the country.

Ans. According to Nelson Mandela, a man has two obligations in his life. One is towards his family and friends the other is towards his people and country.  

Ans. For Nelson Mandela, Courage doesn’t mean the lack of fear but acceptance and winning over it. He learnt the true meaning of courage from thousands of freedom fighters and people who gave countless sacrifices for their country.

Test your knowledge about A Long Walk to Freedom with this fun quiz.

A Long Walk to Freedom Quiz

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Ans. Mandela wanted freedom for himself as a student.

Ans. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

Ans. In the chapter, the author has talked about two obligations for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife, and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfil these obligations.

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NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 - Long Walk to Freedom

• NCERT Solutions
• English First Flight
• Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk To Freedom

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answers: FREE PDF Download

Class 10 English Chapter 2, in the book First Flight, A Long Walk To Freedom, extracted from Nelson Mandela's book of the same name, sheds light on the struggles faced by the black native race of South Africa under harsh and strict rule by the ‘Whites’. Nelson Mandela was one of the most prominent faces fighting against this moment, known as ‘apartheid’. As Mandela takes the stand as the first-ever black president of South Africa, he promises to keep the country free and safe from any kind of discrimination again.  

Vedantu offers NCERT Solutions for ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela Class 10 Questions and Answers. These are designed by top experts who hold years of experience dealing with NCERT Syllabus . 

Glance on ‘Nelson Mandela - A Long Walk to Freedom’: English Chapter 2 Class 10

South Africa is a country that has had a gritty history of suppression and discriminatory rule of their Black natives by the so-called ‘Whites’. They lacked access to basic human rights and freedom.

This movement, widely known as ‘Apartheid’, plagued Africa for many years, until revolutionaries fought back, freeing South Africa from white rule. One of the most prominent faces in this revolution was Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa on May 10, 1994, in their first democratic elections. As he took the stand, he swore to make sure South Africa would never be oppressed again by one race or another.

In his first-ever speech, he thanks all the dignitaries present for being there and supporting him in his movement. He goes on to explain how the two utmost responsibilities of a man - his responsibility to his parents, and to his country and its people, can help unite men and make sure their freedom is protected.

Vedantu offers FREE PDF Download for NCERT Solutions to Chapter 2 English Class 10 - Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom , which are curated by top professionals, dealing with the NCERT English Syllabus for years.

Download PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Question Answer - Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom

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Access NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter - 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom with Questions and Answers

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

Ans: The Union Building of Pretoria was the place where the ceremonies took place. The Parliament House in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi, and the Madras High Court in Chennai are all notable sandstone monuments in India.

2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Ans: South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere. Hence, the autumn season falls in May. It was the day of South Africa's largest gathering, with many international leaders in attendance to witness the installation of the country's first non-racial democratic government.

3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

Ans: “An extraordinary human disaster” meant that the native Africans and the coloured people had to suffer a lot due to discrimination done by the British government. It was a glorious achievement, not only for the Africans but also for the people around the world. A coloured person became the President after the country was exploited for many years. In South Africa, the government ensured liberty not only to the black citizens but also to the whites.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Ans: While addressing everyone in his speech, Mandela thanked all the international leaders who came to witness this glorious moment. He felt privileged to gather international support for his country. It also helped him bring to light the issues that Africans faced at the hands of the British. Mandela becoming the President of Africa was not only their victory but the victory of justice, peace, and human rights across the globe.

5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Ans: Mandela wanted to work for the upliftment of everyone. He tried to address the finer details that would make Africa a progressing nation in the long run. He focused on the alleviation of poverty and suffering. He also wanted his nation to be free from racial discrimination and a safe place for blacks, white and coloured individuals.

Oral Comprehension Check (pg. 21)

1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

Ans: The military earlier arrested and disrespected the Blacks. But after Mandela became the President of South Africa, the highest military generals of South Africa saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty towards the new emerging Africa.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?

Ans: Nelson Mandela wanted to make Africa a safe and equal country for everyone and promote universal brotherhood. So, on the day of the inauguration one national anthem was sung by whites and the other by blacks.

3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country 

(i) in the first decade

Ans: In the first decade the racial discrimination between the blacks and white, the whites set themselves on higher pedestal and created grounds for one of the gravest racial discrimination the world had ever known. The dark skinned were treated as inferior in their own land and were denied even basic human rights.

(ii) in the final decade of the twentieth century?

Ans: In the final decade of twentieth century the racial discrimination was eradicated and was replaced by equal rights for all, irrespective of their colour.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Ans: Mandela’s definition of courage did not mean absence of fear but victory over fear. A man should not be fearless. He should acknowledge the fear and gather courage to fight against it.

5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Ans: It is natural for the human heart to love than to hate, according to Mandela.

Oral Comprehension Check (pg. 24)

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Ans: Mandela mentions that every man shoulders responsibility first towards his family, wife, children, and parents and towards his nation and community.

2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Ans:  Like any other kid for Mandela also the freedom meant the freedom to make merry and enjoy a blissful life. He was allowed everything till the time he followed the rules laid out by his father and the tribe. After growing up he realized freedom had a more deeper meaning and value than he actually thought. It meant equality and honour for all. As an adult you will have to make sure there is food for the family and honour of the family is held high.

3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Ans: An oppressor, according to Mandela, is not free because he becomes a prisoner of hatred, imprisoned by prejudice and narrow-mindedness. They are stripped of their humanity, and the privilege of being human is taken away from them.

Thinking about the Text 24

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Ans: The Britishers ruled over various countries around the world and exploited them for their own gains. Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa, after so many years of oppression, signified their win against the oppressors. The presence of international leaders at an important event signifies their appreciation of the struggle that Africa went through. It showed that all the nations around the world were standing in unity with Africa.

2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Ans: Mandela was inspired by the passion of individuals and freedom fighters, who had in their hearts a desire to free their country from the shackles of British oppression. He believed that those patriots who died before him paved this path for him and without their sacrifice, this would not have been possible. He held their sacrifice as well as the other citizens who sacrificed themselves for the nation at a pedestal. He wanted to pay his tribe for all the lives that were a part of this freedom struggle and work towards what they imagined future Africa to be.

3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Ans: Yes, I believe that “depths of oppression” create “heights of character.” It is when we face adverse situations, we realize the potential we hold. Adverse situations help us to come out of our bubble and discover the strength that lies deep within us. Nelson Mandela never thought as a child that he would fight for the freedom of the citizens and nations. He was ready to sacrifice himself for the freedom of his nation. He served around 27 years in prison and then became the first President of independent South Africa.

4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Ans: Since Mandela was a part of an African tribe, he was shouldered with responsibilities from a noticeably early age. As a young boy, Mandela was concerned about his own freedom. He considered himself to be free since he wasn't imposed with any restrictions. He was just asked to abide by his father’s and communities' rules. As he grew up and developed a better understanding of the world, he realized how selfish his view of freedom was. He understood that it's not only his freedom that matters but also other fellow black members and the residents of the country. It was after this realized he stepped into politics, to achieve this aim.

5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Ans: Realization about the importance of the freedom of the country hit Mandela when he was young. He valued his freedom but eventually realized that if the citizens of his country aren't free then his freedom holds no importance. He held in his heart a desire for non-racial society and wanted everyone to have equal rights, irrespective of them being black or white. His own hunger for freedom soon grew into hunger for the freedom of his own people and he joined the African National Congress which acted as a stepping stone into his political career.

Thinking about Language

I . There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing − (at)ion or ment. There may be change in the spelling of some verb − noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

1. Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

2. Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.

Martin Luther King’s _____________(contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the _______________(assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean____________(subjugate) and _____________(humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, _______________(imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Lither King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent____________  (resist) to racial injustice.

Ans: Martin Luther King’s contribution (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second-class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation (subjugation) and humiliation (humiliation) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance (resist) to racial injustice.

II. Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’)

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchan's and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.

2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.

3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.

1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is placed on a pedestal in acting just like the legendary actress, Madhubala.

3. This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.

III. Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text in which the phrase in column A occurs.) 

In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box below. Then prepare a speech of about two minutes on the following topic. (First make notes for your speech in writing.) 

True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation, and all forms of discrimination. 

causes of poverty and means of overcoming it 

discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc.

constitutionally guaranteed human rights

Ans: True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation, and all forms of discrimination. Liberty doesn't mean freedom from external colonial government but it also means liberty of mind and all social constrictions. Poverty is the state of being extremely poor and not being able to provide enough for yourself. One of the major reasons for the increase in the poverty rate is the rise of capitalism and the poor not being aware of their rights because of lack of education. Government should make schemes to provide free and compulsory education and vocational training to the poor. 

Our society discriminates against individuals based on caste, class, gender, religion etc. Being a secular country, we should learn to live with unity and avoid these shallow issues that come between us. In togetherness lies immense strength and we should stick together to work for the betterment of our country. We as individuals need to change our subconscious regarding these aspects so that we can be more accepting of the change. The government and constitution should guarantee equal rights to everyone. Guaranteeing human rights not only makes an individual feel safe but also provides trust in his nation and government.

I. Looking at Contrasts 

Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two parts in balance.

Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below. 

(i) they can be taught to love. 

(ii) I was born free. 

(iii) But triumph over it. 

(iv) But he who conquers that fear. 

(v) To create such heights of character. 

1. It requires such depths of oppression ___________________

Ans: (v) to create such heights of character.

2. Courage was not the absence of fear __________________

Ans: (iii) but the triumph over it.

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid _________________

Ans: (iv) but he who conquers that fear

4. If people can learn to hate _________________

Ans: (i) they can be taught to love

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. _________________

Ans: (ii) I was born free

II. This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item. 

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now .....

Ans: It was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police ... saluted me and pledged their loyalty. ... not so many years before they would not have saluted ________________

Ans: but arrested me.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem ..., they would soon ________________

Ans: know the words by heart.

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, _________________

Ans: but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but ________________

Ans: but a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people ... that transformed _______________ into a bold one, that drove _______________ to become a criminal, that turned ________________ into a man without a home. 

Ans: frightened young man, a law-abiding attorney, a family-loving husband

III. Expressing Your Opinion

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one. (Read the short verse given below.) 

When you were born you were pink 

When you grew up you became white

When you are in the sun you are red 

When you are sick you are yellow 

When you are angry you are purple 

When you are shocked you are grey 

And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.

Ans: Yes, there is colour prejudice in my country. I belong to an Asian country where pale skin isn't that common. But I have seen a lot of people judge and stereotype people based on their colour. Pale individuals are considered better looking and more attractive than those who have darker skin tones. Society conditions the younger individuals in such a way that they should be ashamed of their skin tone if they are on the brown side of the palette. They are casually made fun of and taunted by their friends and family about it, accompanied by their advice to use skin lightening products. This reduces the self-confidence of an individual and makes them feel unacceptable and unworthy of any human affection. I believe this is a very shallow way to judge or form an opinion about someone.

NCERT Solution for Class 10 First Flight Chapter 2  - Activity

In Column A are some expressions you will find in the text. Make a guess and match each expression with an appropriate meaning from Column B

Benefits of Learning with NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answers - Long Walk to Freedom

By referring to the solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2, you can make sure that you can impress your teachers and invigilators with detailed and well-crafted answers. 

This will help you get better results. With proper practice and memorizing the answers, you will be able to frame new thoughts and confidence in your mind. 

Another reason why students should go for NCERT Solutions for Class 10th English First Flight Chapter 2  question answers is that it saves a lot of time. 

Do you want to study hard without having to worry about drafting answers for questions at the end of the chapters? Well, this is where Vedantu’s solutions come in handy. 

These amazing solutions are easy to download and are complete, comprehensive solutions for all NCERT Questions. They are also vetted and curated by top professionals here at Vedantu who have years of experience in dealing with the NCERT Syllabus.

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Nelson Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ is a story that sheds light on the apartheid movement in South Africa and how he overthrew the white supremacist government to ultimately lead South Africa into becoming a democracy. It is a tale that teaches us about all the hardships and terrors humans have faced throughout history. Vedantu offers comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2, which are curated and vetted by top professionals in the field.  

Links to NCERT Class 10 English Solutions - First Flight (FREE PDF Download)

Supplementary Study Material for English Class 10

Now that you have gotten a grasp on Class 10 English Chapter 2 Question Answers, you can expand your literary understanding by accessing the support links given below:

FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 - Long Walk to Freedom

1. Where Can Students Find CBSE  NCERT Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2  - First Flight Solutions?

NCERT Solutions for English First Flight Chapter 2 - Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela for Class 10 can be found on the website and the application of Vedantu. These solutions are easy to download and will not take much time. The solutions are created with the help of experienced teachers who have an idea about the topic.

2. How can one Download NCERT Solution for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Question Answer?

You need to visit the website and download the PDF File to get the solutions. You can avail these solutions for free at Vedantu.

3. Who was Mandela, according to Class 10 English Chapter 2?

Nelson Mandela, named Madiba and full name Rolihlahla Mandela, was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa. He was a black nationalist and the first Black President in South Africa. His negotiations with South African Pres. F.W. de Klerk in the early 1900s helped end the apartheid system of racial segregation in the country and brought upon a peaceful transition to the majority rule. For their effort, Mandela and de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

4. How did Mandela's understanding of freedom change with age and experience, according to English Class 10?

With age and experience, Nelson Mandela's understanding of freedom changed. During his childhood, he felt free and was carefree. He could do everything that he wanted without having to worry about anything else in the world. However, later in his life, he desired other things, and his definition of freedom changed. Once he gained some perspective and experience, he realized that the black Africans did not have any freedom. He needed to fight and make sure that it was restored.

5. Why does Nelson Mandela thank the international leaders?

Nelson Mandela felt privileged as South African was playing host to some of the world's most powerful nations. Not a long time ago, people from South Africa were considered to be outlaws. He thanked all the international leaders as they witnessed him becoming the President of South Africa. This event was considered to be a victory for human dignity, peace, and justice. 

6. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of in English Chapter 2 Class 10, of the book First Flight?

Until Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa, the country was in the grips of apartheid. Before this, he was considered to be an outlaw by other nations. So, when he became President, apartheid was abolished, but diplomatic relations with other countries were restored. In order to be a part of this inauguration, a large number of international leaders showed solidarity from the international community to the end of apartheid. This was the significance of the triumph of good over evil and the victory of a tolerant society that does not discriminate.

7. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

By "an extraordinary human disaster', Nelson Mandela refers to the practice of apartheid in South Africa. He is talking about the suffering of the blacks and racial segregation based on colour. They were not allowed to have any rights or freedom. Mandela spent several years as a prisoner on the infamous 'Robben Island' where he was mercilessly beaten. He considers a black President of the country a "glorious human achievement" as blacks were treated badly and were not even considered human beings. For more in-depth knowledge refer to the NCERT Solutions of Chapter 2 of Class 10 English First Flight available free of cost on the Vedantu website and the Vedantu app.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Notes

Summary in english.

This lesson is an extract from the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Nelson Mandela was the first black to become the President of South Africa after three hundred years’ rule of the White. Mr. Mandela’s party won 252 seats out of 400 in the first democratic elections in South Africa’s history. In his address at the inauguration ceremony Nelson Mandela said, ‘‘Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.’’ Mandela and his African National Congress spent a lifetime fighting against the white rule. Mandela was congratulated by dignitaries and world leaders before the inauguration. It was the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as the second Deputy President preceded by Thabo Mbeki as first Deputy President and ultimately the First Black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

Then an array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers displayed military force of South Africa. On this day the white and the black both sung their respective national anthems. South Africa could see this day because of the numberless sacrifices of the people. According to Mandela, the greatest wealth of his country is its people like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sislus, Chief Luthulis and some others. He learned from these people that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. So people must learn how to love others. Each man has two obligations; first towards his family and second one for his country. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man to fulfil both these obligations. Mandela was not born with the hunger to be free as he felt that he was born free. But in his boyhood he found this freedom an illusion. The desire of freedom was not confined to Mandela only

but to all the Africans now. It is indivisible; the chains on anyone of his people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of his people were the chains on him. The man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow mindedness. One can be called free if he respects another’s freedom with same degree as he desires for himself.

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Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom 10 English, First Flight – Summary, Explanation, Word Meanings

Last Updated on July 3, 2023 By Mrs Shilpi Nagpal

Nelson Mandela, Class 10 English, First Flight

Detailed explanation of “Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom”, including definitions of difficult words. In addition, the explanation is followed by a lesson summary. Also, NCERT Question and Answers are also provided to help students understand this Chapter and do well in their exams.

☛ NCERT Solutions – Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom

• 1 Introduction 
• 3 Word Meanings

Introduction 

The chapter is an extract from autobiography of Nelson Mandela’s, the First Black President of South Africa. It provides us a glimpse of the early life of Nelson Mandela, his education, thirty years in prison and the pains he had suffered in his young age. It also recounts his fight for the freedom of his own people who were tortured by the whites. It also mentions the contributions of other freedom fighters of his nation.

The oath taking ceremony of Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa, and his colleagues took place on 10 th May, 1994. It was a historic occasion. Dignitaries and representatives of 140 countries came to attend it. The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre, formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Nelson Mandela had come to the ceremony with his daughter Zenani.

First, Mr. De Klerk was the 2nd Deputy President, then Thabo Mbeki the 1 st Deputy President were sworn in. Nelson Mandela took oath as the President. He pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well-being of the republic and its people.

After taking the oath, President Mandela addressed the guests. He promised to create a society of which all humanity would be proud. He welcomed and thanked the international leaders for joining the ceremony that represented a common victory of justice, peace and human dignity. After getting political freedom, his government pledged to liberate people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. He wished the sun of freedom to shine on his country forever. He also promised that the new society would bring hope, equality and freedom to all.

After the oath ceremony, the display of military force was carried out. It showed the loyalty of military to democracy. The highest military generals saluted him. He recounted that they would have arrested him many years ago. Finally, the jets left off smoke trail of different colours, e.g., black, red, green, blue, and golden colour of the new South African flag. In the end, two National Anthems were sung by the whites and the blacks. The white sang Nkosi sikelel the old song and the black sang Die Stem the new song.

Later on that day, Mandela reformed history. In the first decade of the 20th Century, a few years after Anglo-Boer War before his birth, the white skinned patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark skinned people of South Africa. It was the birth of Apartheid, the harshest in human creation. Now, in the last decade of the 20th century, the system has been overturned forever recognizing the rights of all people irrespective of the colour of their skin or religion.

On the auspicious day Mandela regretted the loss of thousands of people and remembered their sacrifice for the freedom from discrimination. He thought of himself as the sum of all those African patriots who sacrificed their lives before him.

It was a reign of oppression and cruelty that created a deep wound in African people. But deep oppression produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Yusuf Dadoos. The Chief Luthulis, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes etc. – men of unparallel courage, wisdom and generosity. He learnt that courage is not lack of fear but victory over that fear. Mandela thinks South Africa’s real wealth is her people who are finer, truer than the purest diamonds. His comrades taught him what courage meant.

It is not the absence of fear but victory over it. No one is born to hate another on the basis of colour of skin or religion. If they can learn to hate, then why not learn to love which comes naturally. He believes in the goodness of man that never dies.

Mandela believe that every man has two obligations, one towards his family and the other towards his people and his country. He believed that in a civil and human society every man is able to fulfill both of them. But a black born in South Africa , just like him, cannot fulfill both. In order to do something for his nation, Mandela was taken away from his family. Thus, he could never fulfil his obligations towards his family.

Mandela remembered that as a child, freedom for him meant being able to do what he wanted. As long as he obeyed his father and the rules of his tribe, he was free in every possible way. As a student, he wanted freedom just for himself. Then as a young man in Johannesburg, he wanted freedom to achieve his dreams, start a family, earn for himself etc. As he grew up, he started realising that the freedom that he enjoyed as a child was just an illusion.

Mandela realised that his complete community including him lacked freedom. Then, he joined the African National Congress with a desire to gain freedom, respect and dignity for his community. The desire for freedom for people as a whole changed his whole life. He transformed from a frightened young man to a bold person which turned him from a law abiding person to become a criminal. He realised that freedom is indivisible.

Mandela realised that he could not enjoy his freedom when his community was not free. He also realised that just like oppressed (torturer), the oppressor (tortured) is also not free. The oppressed is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Thus, both the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them must be liberated.

Word Meanings

About Mrs Shilpi Nagpal

Author of this website, Mrs. Shilpi Nagpal is MSc (Hons, Chemistry) and BSc (Hons, Chemistry) from Delhi University, B.Ed. (I. P. University) and has many years of experience in teaching. She has started this educational website with the mindset of spreading free education to everyone.

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July 4, 2021 at 9:35 am

Thanks for this And your mindset is nice of spreading free education.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom

October 1, 2019 by Bhagya

Oral Comprehension Check Page 18,19

Question 1. Where did the ceremonies take place ? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstones? Answer: The ceremonies took place in the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria, which were attended by dignitaries and leaders of many nations. In India; Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are buildings made of red sandstone.

Question 2. Can you say how 10th May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa? Answer: As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, may falls in the autumn season. Thus 10th May is an ‘autumn day’.

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Question 3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious human achievement” he speaks of at the end? Answer: By ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ Mandela means to state the practice of apartheid in South Africa. During this there was a racial segregation based on colour and the blacks suffered a lot. They were not allowed to demand freedom or any right. Mandela himself did spend many years on infamous ‘Robben Island’ as a prisoner where he was beaten mercilessly. He considered it as great glorious human achievement that a black person became the President of a country where the blacks were not even considered human beings and were treated badly.

Question 4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for ? Answer: Mandela felt very privileged to welcome the international leaders at the swearing – in ceremony because not too long ago, the South Africans were considered outlaws. He thus thanks all of them for having come to witness the historical ceremony. This was a gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation and it could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

Question 5. What ideals does Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa? Answer: Nelson Mandela set the ideals of liberating people from bondage of poverty, deprivation and suffering. He also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial origins.

Question 1. What did the military generals do ? How did their attitude change and why? Answer: The highest military generals of South African defence force saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty which was of great significance as during apartheid era they would have arrested him. The change in their attitude was because of struggle and sacrifices put in by many heroes of South Africa. This struggle not only ensured the freedom of a nation struggling with apartheid, bur brought a change in mindsets of many. He believed that love can also be taught and human being is naturally inclined towards love rather than hate.

Question 2. Why were two national anthems sung? Answer: One the auspicious occasion of the inauguration two national anthems: one by the Whites and the other by the Blacks symbolising the equality of the Blacks and the Whites were sung.

Question 3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century? Answer: (i) In the first decade of the century, the whites erected a system of racial domination against the blacks, thus creating the basis of one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world had ever known. (ii) In the final decade of the 20th century, the . previous system had been overturned and replaced by one which recognised rights and freedom of all people regardless of color of their skin.

Question 4. What does courage mean to Mandela? Answer: For Mandela courage does not mean the absence of fear but a victory over fear. According to him brave men need not be fearless but should be able to conquer fear.

Question 5. Which does Mandela think is natural, to love or to hate? Answer: For Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate.

Question 1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention? Answer: Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife and children; the second obligation is to his people, his community and his country.

Question 2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student ? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”? Answer: Like any other kid, for Mandela freedom meant to make merry and enjoy the blissful life. Once one becomes an adult, antics of childhood looks like transitory because most of the childish activities are wasteful from an adult’s perspective. Once you are adult, you have to earn a livelihood to bring the bacon home. Its only then when you get an honourable existence in the family and in the society.

Question 3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/why not? Answer: Mandela does not think that the oppressor is free because according to him an oppressor is a victim of hatred who is behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He realises that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and peace.

Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

Question 1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration ? What did it signify the triumph of? Answer: To be the part of the inauguration, international leaders showed a gesture of solidarity from international community to the idea of end of apartheid. It was the significance of the victory of good over evil and triumph of a tolerant society without any discrimination.

Question 2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots”, who had gone before him ? Answer: By saying that he is simply the sum of all those African patriots, Mandela wants to pay his tribute to all the people who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. He says that he is grateful to those who had gone before him because those heroes of past had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore, he could try to come to power to bring equality for his people with their support.

Question 3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument ? Answer: I agree with the statement that depths of oppression create heights of character. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by giving examples of great heroes of South Africa like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and others who were inspired to sacrifice their lives in the long freedom struggle. India is full of such examples, during our freedom struggle there was a galaxy of leaders of great characters and the oppression of British rule created and encouraged people of noble characters like Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, JL Nehru, Chandra Shekhar Ajad, Sardar Bhagat Singh and many more. If we compare them with the quality of political leaders India is having today, then Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right;

Question 4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience? Answer: With age and experience, Mandela understood the real meaning of freedom. As a young boy, he thought that he was born free and believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. As he grew older, freedom to raise a family and freedom to earn livelihood started dominating his thoughts. Gradually he realised that he was selfish during his boyhood. He slowly understood that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It was the freedom from fear and prejudice. Age and experience widened his perspective of freedom.

Question 5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life? Answer: Mandela realised in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. This changed the fearfulman to a fearless rebel. He sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for a greater cause. He joined the African National Congress and this changed him from a frightened young man into a bold one who fought against racial prejudice.

Thinking about Language (Page 24,25,26)

Questions 1. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing – (at)ion or ment. There may be change in the spelling of some verb – noun pairs ; such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution. Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text

2. Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’) (i) Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties. (ii) Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times. (in) History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well. 3. Match, the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text which the phrase in column A occurs.)

2. Ans: (i) :  This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities as of the calibre of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties. (ii) This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to a landmark in acting in the form of legendary actress Madhubala. (iii) This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.

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Nelson Mandela Essay in English for Students 1000+ Words

This long Nelson Mandela Essay in English is beneficial for School Students of classes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and Competitive Exam Aspirants. After reading this article about Nelson Mandela Essay, you will be able to answer all important questions related to it. CBSE Digital Education provides complete information about an essay on Nelson Mandela.

Introduction

Let’s start with the introduction to Nelson Mandela Essay in English.

Nelson Mandela, who ended the policy of apartheid in South Africa, has the same place in his country as that of Mahatma Gandhi in India. He gave African people their rights by conducting a bloodless revolution. There was no violence during this revolution, as he believed in resolving problems through dialogue.

Early Life of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, a South African Gandhi believed in the ideas of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King. He was born on July 18, 1918, in the small village of Mvezo in Transkei, South Africa on the banks of the Bassa River. His mother’s name was Nonqaphi Nosekeni and she was a Methodist. His father, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa, served as the local chief and counselor to the emperor.

His parents named him Rohilhala. The world knows him as Nelson Mandela, but he was also known by other names. He was named Nelson by an elementary school teacher. Mandela is often referred to in South Africa as Madiba, a respectful term for the elderly. Many also called him Tata and Khulu, which in Afrikaans mean father and grandfather respectively. As a teenager, he was known as ‘Dali Bhunga’.

Mandela grew up in the village of Qunu, where he spent his early years grazing cattle and playing with other boys in the village. Although both his parents were illiterate, they realized the importance of education and sent him to a Methodist school when he was seven years old.

Education of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela had his early education at Clarkberry Missionary School and his graduation in Healdtown. It was in this college that Mandela met ‘Alibar Tambo’, who was his lifelong friend and colleague.

Mandela completed his BA at the University of South Africa via correspondence after which he studied law at the University of Witwatersrand. At college, he came into contact with modern principles such as freedom, liberty, democracy,  equality, political rights, etc.

He was deeply distressed to see the sufferings of fellow Africans, who were no better than slaves under British rule. Mandela participated in movements against racial discrimination.

By the year 1940, Mandela had gained popularity with his political views and activities on the college campus, due to which he was expelled from the college.

Political Struggle of Nelson Mandela

While in Johannesburg, he became involved in anti-colonial politics, joining the African National Congress & becoming a founding member of its Youth League.

After the South African National Party (ANC) came to power in 1948, Mandela rose to prominence in the ANC’s 1952 defiance campaign, was appointed superintendent of the organization’s Transvaal chapter, and in 1955 he presided over the People’s Congress.

While working as a lawyer, he was repeatedly arrested for seditious activities and, along with the ANC leadership, unsuccessfully prosecuted tried for treason from 1956 to 1961.

Although initially committed to nonviolent protest, he co-founded the militant Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961 in collaboration with the South African Communist Party, which led a sabotage campaign against the apartheid government. In 1962, Mandela was arrested, convicted of plotting to overthrow the state, and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Rivonia trial.

Nelson Mandela Served over 27 years in prison, initially on Robben Island, and later in pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. By that time South Africa was becoming increasingly isolated as a racist state.

Civil unrest had broken out and there was increasing international boycott and diplomatic pressure on South Africa. There was a worldwide campaign to release Nelson Mandela. In 1990, he was released unconditionally.

Nelson Mandela became involved in negotiations with President F.W. de Klerk to end apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994, in which he led the ANC to victory and became South Africa’s first black president.

First Black President of South Africa 

In the first election held in 1994, the ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, won the election and was chosen to lead as the country’s first black president. Nelson Mandela’s greatest achievement was not in becoming the first black president of South Africa, but in ending the evil of apartheid that divided South Africa’s blacks and whites.

As a president, he worked very hard to facilitate the transformation of a minority black regime into a dominant black regime. He ended apartheid and established a new constitution. He also introduced new reforms in the economic policy of South Africa. Mandela’s international contribution as a mediator between Libya and the United Kingdom to oversee military intervention and as a human rights activist is also appreciated.

Awards and Honours

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July as “Nelson Mandela Day” for Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle for human rights. More than 250 honors and awards have been presented to Mandela by different countries and institutions of the world.

In 1993, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with former South African President F.W de Clarke. In the year 1990, the Government of India honored him with the country’s highest honor ‘Bharat Ratna’. He was also awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin, the Gandhi Peace Prize, etc.

Nelson Mandela was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize for Peace, which he dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, whom he greatly influenced. In addition, he has received over 250 awards, including honorary degrees, from more than 50 universities around the world to pay tribute and homage to this South African leader for his contributions to democracy, freedom, equality, peace, and human rights.

Nelson Mandela – Charismatic Personality

Nelson Mandela has inspired people not only with his work but also with his words. His autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ provides knowledge and experience capable of shaping ideas. He wrote about his concern about equality for blacks in his book.

Mandela wanted to spread peace, equality, and education and never gave up his devotion to doing so. Despite terrible provocations, he never gave up hope and stood by his principles. His writings and speeches have been collected in “I’m Prepared to Die”, “No Easy Walk to Freedom”, “The Struggle in My Life” and “In His Own Words”.

Nelson Mandela, such a huge personality, died on 5 December 2013 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg due to a lung infection. The people of South Africa consider him the ‘Father of the Nation’ and he is seen as the founder of Democracy, National Liberator, and Savior in South Africa.

He is held in deep esteem within South Africa, where he is often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, or Tata. He is often described as the “Father of the Nation”.

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I hope you like this article about Nelson Mandela’s Essay in English for Students and Children. If you want to ask any kind of query regarding the Nelson Mandela Essay, then message us in the comment section and we will reply to you soon.

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Home » 10th Class » Class 10 English Notes for Nelson Mandela (PDF) – Study Material

Class 10 English Notes for Nelson Mandela (PDF) – Study Material

Class 10 English Nelson Mandela – Get here the Notes, Question & Practice Paper of Class 10 English for topic Nelson Mandela Notes. Nelson Mandela Notes for Class 10 English are here. You can download the Nelson Mandela Notes PDF to study all the topics in this chapter. Moreover the class 10 English notes include chapter summary, definitions, examples, and key pointers for Nelson Mandela . Thus if you are studying class English (अंग्रेज़ी), then the  Nelson Mandela notes  will help you easily understand the topic and ace it.

Class 10 English Notes for Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is a critical part in the study of English . In India, it is taught in class. Therefore the class 10 Notes for English topic Nelson Mandela have been compiled by teachers and field experts. They explain the complete chapter of Nelson Mandela in one-shot . Whether you are studying the topic Nelson Mandela to complete your class syllabus, or for any competitive exam like JEE , NEET , UPSC, you can simply refer these notes to complete the chapter in one-shot!

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Nelson Mandela Notes for Class 10 English PDF

The PDF of Nelson Mandela class 10 notes is as follows. You can view the document here and also download it to use it anytime for future reference whenever you want to brush up your concepts of English.

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The Nelson Mandela notes here help you solve the questions and answers . Also, you can complete the class 10 Nelson Mandela worksheet using the same. In addition you will also tackle CBSE Class 10 English Important Questions with these class 10 notes .

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You can use the class 10 English notes of Nelson Mandela for all boards.

The education boards in India for which Nelson Mandela notes are relevant are – CBSE, CISCE, AHSEC, CHSE Odisha, CGBSE, HBSE, HPBOSE, PUE Karnataka, MSBSHSE, PSEB, RBSE, TBSE, UPMSP, UBSE, BIEAP, BSEB, GBSHSE, GSEB, JAC, JKBOSE, KBPE, MBOSE, MBSE, MPBSE, NBSE, DGE TN, TSBIE, COHSEM, WBCHSE .

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Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Important Questions

Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom important questions with answers are available below. These questions are prepared as per the latest NCERT textbook and CBSE guidelines. Students can read and can also download Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom important questions in PDF format from the link given below.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Important Questions

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

Answer: The oath-taking ceremony took place in Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 2. What promise does Mandela make in the beginning of opening of his oath-taking speech?

Answer: Mandela thanks all the international leaders and guests as he calls it an occasion of joy and victory for Justice. He promises that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 3. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Answer: Mandela set out ideals for the future of South Africa because he had deep feelings for his country and countrymen. He pledged to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation and discrimination.

Question 4. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood? [CBSE 2015]

Answer: During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board backs of slow moving bulls.

Question 5. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?

Answer: It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 6. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in ceremony?

Answer: Mandela emphasised to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.

Question 7. What did Mandela think for oppressor and oppressed?  [CBSE 2011]

Answer: Mandela always thought that both oppressor and oppressed are deprived of their humanity. Oppressor is a prisoner of hatred while oppressed has no confidence in humanity so both of them need to be liberated.

Question 8. What do you understand by Apartheid’?

Answer: ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 9. Describe the effect of the policy of apartheid on the people of South Africa.

Answer: The policy of apartheid could not be considered fortunate for the people of South Africa. It created distance and a deep wound in the country and the people. Many great men like Oliver Tambo, Walttr Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, etc were produced due to the brutality and oppression. They were men of great character

Question 10. How is courage related to the brave man according to the author of the lesson?

Answer: The author believes that courage is not the absence of fear, but it is the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel fear of any kind but he is the one who has the courage to conquer it.

Question 11. Could everyone fulfil the obligations personal or social in South Africa?

Answer: No, everyone was not free to fulfil their obligations because of colour of the skin. If a person tried to fulfil their obligations, they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.

Question 12. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters?  [CBSE 2012]

Answer: Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National Congress and fought for the freedom.

Question 13. Why was Nelson Mandela changed into a bold man?

Answer: Nelson Mandela was changed into a bold man due to his . desire of the freedom for his country and his countrymen. He wanted to live a life with dignity as he could not enjoy the limited freedom.

Question 14. What did Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed?

Answer: Mandela thought about the oppressor and the oppressed that both are robbed equally. A mail who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. In the same way, if his freedom is taken away, they both are without freedom. So both of them must be liberated.

Question 15. How did ‘hunger for freedom’ change Mandela’s life?

Answer: In the beginning of his life, Mandela was not aware about freedom. Later, Mandela found that his freedom had been taken away from him. As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but slowly his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. This changed him completely.

Question 16. What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?

Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations in life. The first obligation is to his family, to his parents, wife and children. Secondly, he has an obligation to his country, people, and community.

Question 17. Could a man. according to Mandela, fulfil these twin obligations in a country like South Africa?

Answer: No, these twin obligations could not be fulfilled by a man, in a country like South Africa, according to Mandela. It was because a man of dark colour who attempted just to live as a human being was punished and isolated in the country.

Question 18. What is the meaning of courage to Mandela?

Answer: According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Mandela learned the true meaning of courage from his comrades in the struggle.

Question 19. What was unique in the inauguration ceremony?

Answer: The inauguration ceremony took place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy. Now it was the oath taking ceremony day for South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. It was really a unique occasion.

Question 20. Describe the inauguration ceremony in simple words?

Answer: It was the day of 10th May, 1994. The first democratic, non- racial government was to be installed. Dignitaries from different countries participated in the ceremony. South African men, women and children of all races were present there.

Question 21. Describe Mandela’s life journey from a prisoner to the first black President of south Africa.

Answer: Nelson Mandela did a life-long struggle against the racial discrimination in South Africa. He had to pass many years of his life as a prisoner in the jail. At last the first democratic elections were held in South Africa. His party won 252 seats out of400 and he became the first black President of South Africa.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”?

Answer: Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 2. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence?

Answer: Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal.

He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 3. What does Mandela mean to say that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity?

Answer: Mandela is right in saying that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them are actually the victim of hatred. Everyone is obliged to discharge their duties whether personal or social but without freedom a man cannot do so. The person who snatches this freedom of a man is really an oppressor and a prisoner of hatred. He has lack of humanity. But this is the same with a person who is oppressed by other.

Question 4. Describe the obligations which the author is talking about and also describe his feelings for them?

Answer: In the chapter the author has talked about two obligation for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfil these obligations.

But being a black coloured person in South Africa, a man was not free to perform his obligations and got punished if he tried to do that. Being a child the author never thought of such obligations but after he did so, he fought for the people and the country to be free and enjoy their freedom of performing their duties personal and social.

Question 5. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.  [CBSE2014]

Answer: Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

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Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – Notes Class 10 English

• Post last modified: 25 June 2022
• Post category: Class 10 English Notes

Study Notes on ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ are given here with key-points summary, meanings, themes, characters and literary devices.

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Notes – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

This chapter is an excerpt from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. It focuses on the momentous occasion of his inauguration. Not only does it signify the end of apartheid and racial segregation but it also signifies the birth of the democratic republic of South Africa.

The excerpt also provides a unique insight into Mandela’s thoughts on the inauguration and apartheid. It also stresses on the importance of freedom and courage over oppression and hate.

SUMMARY – Key Points

Broadly, Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom can be divided into:

Mandela’s Inauguration as President

Mandela’s Speech

Mandela about Apartheid

Mandela about Other South African Patriots and their Courage

Mandela about Love and Hate

Mandela about a Man’s Twin Obligations

Mandela’s Idea of Freedom

• It took place on 10 th May, 1994 in the Union Building in Pretoria.
• It was attended by dignitaries from around the world.
• Mandela was accompanied by his daughter.
• It marked the triumph of humanity, liberty and peace over oppression.
• Mandela brought out the irony that not long ago he was regarded as a criminal and now he was hosting dignitaries from all over the world.
• He pledged to fight against poverty and discrimination.
• Mandela pledged never to let his nation be ruled by tyranny again.
• Mandela’s inauguration marked the end of the one of most oppressive systems in human history – apartheid.
• Apartheid is a system of racial discrimination where white-skinned people dominate over the dark-skinned people of their land.
• Apartheid, Mandela notes, had caused immeasurable suffering for his people.
• Apartheid also produced courageous men and women who had risked their lives to fight oppression.
• It is through their sacrifice that Mandela understood the idea of courage.
• “…courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
• By calling himself the ‘sum of all African patriots’ before him, he paid his tribute to the brave men and women who paved the way for Africa’s freedom.
• Mandela believed that no one is born hating other human beings. Rather, they are taught to hate.
• He believed in mankind’s boundless capacity for goodness and love.
• Mandela believed every man has two obligations – one to family and one to country.
• In an unequal society, a man cannot fulfil both obligations. Every man must be free to be able to do so.
• Mandela had to put his people’s needs above those of his family’s.
• Mandela realised that his freedom was an illusion only on reaching adulthood.
• He further realised that other members of his community too were not free.
• One cannot truly enjoy freedom if one’s fellow men and women are in chains. This realisation led Mandela to give up his own freedom and fight for the freedom of his people.
• Mandela’s idea of freedom is all-inclusive. He believes that everyone must be free – not just the oppressed, but also the oppressor who is imprisoned by hate.

The two major themes of the chapter are:

Freedom vs Oppression

Courage vs Hate

• Mandela contrasts the freedom enjoyed by his country now to apartheid and its consequences.
• Freedom is impossible if it is restricted by a higher authority.
• One cannot also be free if one’s fellow people are in chains.
• Freedom is all-inclusive. Everyone – even the oppressors – should be free.
• Mandela develops the idea of courage by reflecting on the sacrifices of African patriots.
• The immeasurable suffering caused by apartheid produced brave men and women who were willing to do what it took to dismantle it.
• Even though they suffered and were afraid, they risked their lives for the cause of the country.
• In contrast to the innate ability of courage that Mandela emphasises, hate is often taught. Hate leads to discrimination on the basis of race or religion.

The excerpt provides a brief glimpse into Nelson Mandela’s character.

The first black president of South Africa

An Idealist: His speech shows his belief in the ideals of human dignity, liberty and freedom of fellow human beings.

Brave: Mandela braved prison and other untold sufferings to ensure freedom for his countrymen and women.

Intellectual: His speech to the world leaders, his reflections on apartheid, courage and freedom reflect this.

A True Revolutionary: Mandela gave up his family and personal freedom to take up the cause of the revolution. He also believed that everyone should be free.

LITERARY DEVICES

The use of contrasts.

Mandela uses contrasts in the chapter to reflect on ideas of courage, apartheid and freedom. Some of the contrasts used are:

Union Building Pretoria: A building, once a seat of white supremacy, would now form the first democratic, non-racial government of South Africa.

White vs Rainbow: Mandela uses the plain colour white to refer to the domination of dark-skinned by the white-skinned. In contrast, he uses the word ‘rainbow gathering’ to refer to all the people assembled for the inauguration.

The South African generals and police saluting Nelson Mandela. Only a few years back these same people would have put him in prison.

The two anthems – the vision of whites singing ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and blacks singing ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the Republic.

Two Systems of Thought: Apartheid which is based on race and skin colour is one of the ‘harshest, most inhumane’ systems of oppression in human history vs the Republic which ‘recognised the rights and freedoms’ of all people regardless of skin colour.

‘Depths of oppression’ can create ‘heights of characters’ – the untold suffering faced by the African people produced great heroes.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 - Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom

Comprehension Check - Page 18

Q2. Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa? Ans:  10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa because on this day there was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

Comprehension Check - Page 19

Q3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?   Ans:  By human disaster, Mandela means to say that coloured people have suffered a lot due to discrimination at the hands of whites. He considered it as a great glorious human achievement that a black person became the president of a country where the blacks are not considered as a human being and are treated badly.

Q5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa? Ans: Mandela set out the ideals of poverty alleviation, removal of the suffering of people. He also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial origins.

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 21

Q1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why? Ans:  The highest military generals of the South African defence force and police saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty. Their attitude towards blacks had taken great change. Instead of arresting a black, they saluted him.

Q2. Why were two national anthems sung? Ans: On the auspicious occasion of the inauguration ceremony, two national anthems were sung – the Whites sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the Blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ that was the old anthem of the Republic. Both the anthems symbolized the equality of rights between Whites and Blacks.

Q3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and  (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century? Ans: (i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land, thus creating the basis of one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world had ever known. (ii)  In the last decade of the twentieth century, the previous system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognized the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin. Q4. What does courage mean to Mandela? Ans:  For Mandela courage does not mean the absence of fear but a victory over fear. According to him brave men need not be fearless but should be able to conquer fear.

Q5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate? Ans:  For Mandela, love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate.

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 24

Q1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention? Ans:  Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife and children; the second obligation is to his people, his community and his country. Q2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”? Ans:  Like any other kid for Mandela also the freedom meant a freedom to make merry and enjoy a blissful life. Once anybody becomes an adult, then antics of childhood looks transitory because most of the childish activity is wasteful from an adult’s perspective. Once you are an adult then someday you have to earn a livelihood to bring the bacon home, then only you get an honourable existence in the family and in the society. Q3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not? Ans:  Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because according to him an oppressor is a prisoner of hatred, who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He feels that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.

Thinking about the Text 

Q1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of? Ans:  The presence of a large number of international leaders was a gesture of solidarity from the international community to the idea of the end of apartheid. It signified the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of the idea of a tolerant society without any discrimination. Q2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him? Ans:  Mandela wants   to pay his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. he feels that he is the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him because those heroes of yesterday years had paved the path of co-operation and unity for him. Therefore, he got the support of his people to be able to come to power to bring equality for his own people. Q3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument? Ans:  Yes, I agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by giving examples of great heroes of South Africa who sacrificed their lives in the long freedom struggle. India is full of such examples. During our freedom struggle, there was a galaxy of leaders of great characters. Probably the oppression of British rule created so many men of such characters. If we compare this with the quality of political leaders India is having today, then Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right. Q4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience? Ans:  With age, Nelson Mandela realised that he had a lot of responsibilities for his people, his community and his country. As a boy, Mandela did not have a hunger for freedom because he thought that he was born free. He believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. He had certain needs as a teenager and certain needs as a young man. Gradually, he realized that he was selfish during his boyhood. He slowly understands that it is not just his freedom that is being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. It is after attaining this understanding that he develops a hunger for the freedom of his people. Q5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life? Ans:  Mandela realized in his youth that it was not just his freedom that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all blacks. The hunger for his own freedom became the hunger for the freedom of his people. This desire for a non-racial society transformed him into a virtuous and self-sacrificing man. Thus, he joined the African National Congress and this changed him from a frightened young man into a bold man.

Thinking about Language 

Q2. Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets. Martin Luther King’s __________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the __________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean __________ (subjugate) and __________ (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, __________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Lither King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent __________ (resist) to racial injustice. Ans:  Martin Luther King’s contribution (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation (subjugate) and humiliation (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance (resist) to racial injustice.

Page No. 25

II. Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wi sh. Look at the entry for ‘the’) 1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties. 2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times. 3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.

Ans: 1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties. 2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to a landmark in acting in the form of legendary actress Madhubala. 3. This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.

Page No. 26 

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NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, A Tiger in the Zoo

Ncert solutions for class 10 english chapter 2 – get free pdf.

BYJU’S presents to you accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2 that comprise one prose lesson – “ Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom ”, and one poem – “ A Tiger in the Zoo ”. The NCERT Solutions of Class 10 are solved by our panel of expert teachers to provide well-structured solutions for Class 10 students.

The solutions are written in easy-to-understand English, which will help students grasp concepts well and be all set to attempt the English exam with full confidence. Access the NCERT Solutions of this chapter in PDF from the link below to intensify your preparations.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2:

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Access Answers to NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Activity (Page 17)

In Column A are some expressions you will find in the text. Make a guess and match each expression with an appropriate meaning from Column B.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18-19)

Question 1:

Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, which were attended by dignitaries and world leaders of several nations. In India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are two public buildings that are made of red sandstone.

Question 2:

Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, i.e., below the equator. In the Southern Hemisphere, the timing of the seasons is different from that of Europe and Asia, which are in the Northern Hemisphere. In Southern Africa, autumn is from March to April, and winter is from June to September. That is how May 10 becomes a ‘lovely autumn day’ in South Africa.

Question 3:

At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

In Mandela’s speech ‘an extraordinary human disaster’, he wanted to express his strong feelings against the practice of Apartheid in South Africa. Under Apartheid, there was racial segregation of people based on colour, and the blacks suffered the most as they were discriminated against by the rest. They could not enjoy the right to freedom. Mandela was jailed for 18 years on the infamous ‘Robben Island’ where he was mistreated by the authorities. He considered it a “great glorious human achievement” that he became the first Black President of South Africa, where the blacks were deprived of basic needs and suffered different kinds of discrimination, and were treated badly.

Question 4:

What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Mandela felt extremely privileged to welcome the dignitaries and international leaders at the swearing-in ceremony because it was not too long ago when the South Africans were considered outlaws. He therefore, thanked all of them for having come from far and wide to witness the historical oath-taking ceremony of the first Black President of South Africa. This was a wonderful gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation. This event could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

Question 5:

What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Mandela set the ideals of liberating the people of South Africa from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He wanted the people of the country to enjoy the right to freedom from all forms of bondage and prejudice.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 21)

What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed and why?

The highest military generals of South African defence forces and police saluted and pledged their loyalty to Mandela. This was of great significance because, during the Apartheid era, they would have arrested him and put him behind bars. Their attitude towards Blacks changed due to the struggles and sacrifices that were put in by many heroes of South Africa. This struggle for freedom was not just a struggle with Apartheid, it also brought a massive change in the mindsets of many people. Mandela believed that love is something that could be taught and human beings are naturally inclined towards love more, rather than hate.

Why were two national anthems sung?

On the auspicious occasion of the inauguration ceremony, two national anthems were sung – the Whites sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the Blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ that was the old anthem of the Republic. Singing of both the anthems symbolized the equality of rights between Whites and Blacks.

How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country –

(i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

• In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. This created the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever seen or known.
• In the final decade of the twentieth century, the previous system of government had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

What does courage mean to Mandela?

According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.

Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Mandela thought that love comes more naturally to the human heart rather than hate.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 24)

What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Mandela mentions two obligations that every man has in life – (i) obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and (ii) he has an obligation to his people, his community and his country.

What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Like any other kid, Mandela felt freedom meant being happy, making merry and enjoying the blissful life in his childhood years. However, when a young fellow becomes an adult, the antics of childhood look transitory because all the childish activities are worthless from an adult’s perspective. When a person becomes an adult, he learns to earn a livelihood and earn his own bread and butter. In such a scenario, he understands the basic and honourable freedom in his family and the society that he lives in.

Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because, in his opinion, an oppressor is like a victim of hatred who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He feels that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and peace of mind.

Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Being a part of the inauguration ceremony, the international leaders showed solidarity with the end of Apartheid as a gesture from the international community. This signified the victory of good over evil and the triumph of a tolerant society without prejudice and discrimination of caste, colour or creed.

What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

By saying that he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots”, Mandela offers his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives in favour of the struggle for freedom. He says that he shall always remain grateful and thankful to those who had gone before him because those freedom fighters had paved the path of cooperation and unity for him. Therefore, Mandela felt that when he came to power, he would bring equality among his people with their support and cooperation.

Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Yes, I agree with the statement that “depths of oppression” do create ‘heights of character”. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by citing examples of great heroes of South Africa such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, Bram Fischers, and Robert Sobukwes, among others who inspired others by sacrificing their lives in the long struggle for freedom.

In India’s pre-Independence era, there was a galaxy of great leaders who didn’t bend their knees to the oppression of British rule, such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, Chandra Shekhar Ajad, Bhagat Singh and many more. Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right, if we compare them with the quality of political leaders that came later. It seems that great leaders are created in the crucible of oppression and suffering.

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

With age and rich experience, Mandela understood the essence of freedom in everyone’s life. As a young boy, he always thought that he was born free and could do anything that he wanted. He strongly believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible way. However, as he grew older, he started feeling that freedom was required to raise a family and to earn a livelihood, and this started dominating his thoughts and views. In due course of time, he realised that he was selfish and was leading an illusionary life during his boyhood. He slowly understood that it was not his freedom alone that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people was retrenched. Mandela understood that his people were being deprived and discriminated and this led him to develop a hunger for the freedom of his people.

How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

During his youth, Mandela realised that it was not just his freedom alone that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people. The hunger for his own freedom became the hunger for freedom for all his fellow brothers and sisters. In the process, this changed the fearful man into a bold rebel. Mandela sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for the freedom of his countrymen. He joined the African National Congress, and this transformed him from a frightened young man into a fearless person who fought against racial prejudice and colour discrimination.

Thinking about Language (Page 24-26)

I. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing -(at)ion or ment. There may be a change in the spelling of some verb – noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.

Martin Luther King’s _______________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the ______________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean _______________ (subjugate) and ________________ (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, _________________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent ___________________ (resist) to racial injustice.

Martin Luther King’s contribution to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation and humiliation by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance to racial injustice.

II. Using the Definite Article with Names

Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’.)

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.

2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.

3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.

1. This implies that Mr. Singh regularly invites prominent personalities of caliber such as Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. This implies that in the current generation, Madhuri Dixit is compared to the great actress, Madhubala.

3. This means history is not only the story of great fighers such as Alexander, Napoleon or Hitler, but also of other ordinary people.

III. Idiomatic Expressions

Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text in which the phrase in Column A occurs.)

Speaking (Page 26)

In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box below. Then prepare a speech of about two minutes on the following topic. (First make notes for your speech in writing.)

True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.

Activity to be done by yourself.

Writing (Page 26-28)

Question I: Looking at Contrasts

Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two parts in balance.

Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below.

1. It requires such depths of oppression _________________________________________

2. Courage was not the absence of fear __________________________________________

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid __________________________________

4. If people can learn to hate _________________________________________________

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. ______________________________________

1. It requires such depths of oppression (v) to create such heights of character.

2. Courage was not the absence of fear (iii) but the triumph over it.

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid (iv) but he who conquers that fear.

4. If people can learn to hate (i) they can be taught to love.

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. (ii) I was born free.

Question II:

This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now …

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police … saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted _______________

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon ______________

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, _______________________

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but _______________

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed _______________ into a bold one, that drove _______________ to become a criminal, that turned ________________into a man without a home.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

2. Only moments before , the highest generals of the South African defence force and police … saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon know the words by heart .

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds .

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force , but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy , to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one , that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal , that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home .

Question III: Expressing Your Opinion

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one. (Read the short verse given below.)

When you were born you were pink

When you grew up you became white

When you are in the sun you are red

When you are sick you are yellow

When you are angry you are purple

When you are shocked you are grey

And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.

Access Answers to NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 2 Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

Thinking about the Poem (Page 30-31)

Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.

(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.

(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.

Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.

Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:

(i) On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

What do you think is the effect of this repetition?

This repetition is used by the poet to create a poetic effect to increase the intensity of the tiger’s rage and his silent helplessness from the concrete cell of the cage. ‘Velvet quiet’ refers to the velvet pads of the tiger which are quiet and unable to run or leap. The tiger could do nothing but just walk around the limited space of his cage. The use of ‘quiet rage’ signifies the anger and ferocious nature of the tiger that is building up inside him as he wants to run out freely into the forest and attack a deer. The tiger’s rage is quiet as he is locked inside the cage and is helpless. The repetition of ‘quiet’ has given a lyrical beauty to the poem. Similarly, the use of the term ‘brilliant’ for both the tiger’s eyes and the stars points to the majestic nature of both. The tiger stares at the brilliant stars with his brilliant eyes as he dreams about how he could have led a beautiful, free and pleasing life in the forest. Thus, the repetition creates a wonderful rhythmic effect and gives a kind of magnificence to the lines.

Read the following two poems — one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:

Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?

The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.

Then he thinks.

It would be nice not to be behind bars all

Because they spoil my view

I wish I were wild, not on show.

But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,

But if I were wild, food might poison me,

But if I were wild, water might drown me.

Then he stops thinking

PETER NIBLETT

The Panther

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,

has grown so weary that it cannot hold

anything else. It seems to him there are

a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,

the movement of his powerful soft strides

is like a ritual dance around a centre

in which a mighty will stands paralysed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupils

lifts, quietly. An image enters in,

rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,

plunges into the heart and is gone.

RAINER MARIA RILKE

A zoo is a place where several species of animals are kept. Some of these animals are endangered or on the verge of extinction. Likewise, even endangered tigers and lions are not safe in the forest due to poaching for illegal trading. Therefore, zoos are necessary for the conservation and protection of such species. That way, zoos are a safe haven for animals, and the public should be educated about the importance of wild animals and their key role in maintaining the ecological balance in the environment. Some other alternatives to zoos could be wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves,  national parks, etc. These options will not only protect or conserve these species but also provide these animals with a habitat in the midst of nature.

Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.

You can download these NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English in PDF format, through the links provided below. Given below are some brief descriptions of the story and poem included under NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Prose)

This story is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”, where he mentions the historic occasion of his inauguration as South Africa’s first Black President, and his thoughts on freedom. Mandela always believed that he had an obligation towards his family and his people. In this piece, he shared a lot of thoughts about how people of colour were mistreated, and he wished equality for everyone, irrespective of caste, colour or creed. He always thought of placing his people and country above all obligations and did not want to stick to the customs of his tribe. He felt every person has the right to achieve political emancipation, and he pledged to liberate all his people from deprivation, the bondage of poverty, gender and other forms of discrimination.

Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A tiger in the zoo (poem).

In this poem,  the poet Leslie Norris draws a contrasting distinction between a tiger trapped in a zoo and a tiger living in its natural habitat. He clearly mentions how a tiger moves freely in the jungle, compared to the caged tiger moving back and forth within the limited space in a zoo. Class 10 students can understand the tiger’s description as provided by the poet, visualise the tiger’s plight while in a zoo, and understand how it yearns for a free life in a jungle.

Chapter 2 Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

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Important Previous Year Questions for Class 10 for English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom . In this post, we will share with you all the detailed Important Previous Year Questions for Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. This will contain Important Questions that are usually asked in the exams or that cover important concepts of the chapter and Previous Year Questions.

Why are PYQs Important?

Previous Year Questions give an idea of how the chapter is usually put forward in the exams. What are the type of questions that are usually asked from a chapter, and what concepts are the most important where we need to focus more.

Hence, it’s very important to understand Important Previous Year Questions and Answers.

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Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

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Question 1: Who was Zenani?

Answer: Zenani was the daughter of Nelson Mandela.

Question 2 : What do you understand by Apartheid’?

Answer: ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system, black-colored people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons, and husbands, etc.

Question 3 : What did Mandela think for the oppressor and oppressed? 

Answer: Mandela always thought that both oppressor and oppressed are deprived of their humanity. The oppressor is a prisoner of hatred while the oppressed has no confidence in humanity so both of them need to be liberated.

Question 4: What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing-in ceremony?

Answer: Mandela emphasized liberating all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.

Question 5: Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheater formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?

Answer: It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphitheater formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 6: Could everyone fulfill the obligations personal or social in South Africa?

Answer: No, everyone was not free to fulfill their obligations because of the color of the skin. If a person tried to fulfill their obligations, they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.

Question 7: Why was Nelson Mandela changed into a bold man?

Answer: Nelson Mandela was changed into a bold man due to his desire of the freedom for his country and his countrymen. He wanted to live a life with dignity as he could not enjoy the limited freedom.

Question 8: What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?

Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations in life. The first obligation is to his family, to his parents, wife and children. Secondly, he has an obligation to his country, people, and community.

Question 9: What is the meaning of courage to Mandela?

Answer: According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Mandela learned the true meaning of courage from his comrades in the struggle.

Question 10: Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence?

Answer: Mandela always said that political freedom was the result of the sacrifices of thousands of black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought of himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal. He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe, and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom, and large-heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 11: Describe the obligations which the author is talking about and also describe his feelings for them?

Answer: In the chapter, the author has talked about two obligations for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife, and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfill these obligations. But being a black-colored person in South Africa, a man was not free to perform his obligations and got punished if he tried to do that. Being a child the author never thought of such obligations but after he did so, he fought for the people and the country to be free and enjoy their freedom of performing their duties personal and social.

Question 12: What were the two anthems sung on the day of the oath-taking ceremony?

Answer: On the day of the oath-taking ceremony, the two anthems were sung. ‘Nkosi Sikelel-i-Afrika’ was for the whites and ‘Die stem’ was for the blacks. ‘Die stem’ was the old anthem of the country.

Question 13: Describe Mandela’s life journey from a prisoner to the first black President of South Africa.

Answer: Nelson Mandela did a life-long struggle against racial discrimination in South Africa. He had to pass many years of his life as a prisoner in jail. At last, the first democratic elections were held in South Africa. His party won 252 seats out of 400 and he became the first black President of South Africa.

Question 14: Describe the value of freedom for human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilization and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.

Answer: Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance, the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage, they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilization as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

Question 15: How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Answer: In the first decade of the 20th century, the whites erected a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. They set up the most inhumane system of apartheid where the blacks were denied the fundamental right of freedom. In the last decade of the twentieth century, the system was overturned. The policy of apartheid was uprooted from the land and a new non-racial democratic government was installed to ensure equal rights and freedom to all the people of South Africa.

Question 16: What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Answer: Freedom had different meanings for Mandela at different stages. As a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the stream. As a student he wanted freedom to stay out at nights, to read what he liked, later he realised that this freedom was an illusion. He found that all the black brothers and sisters were in chains. There was no freedom for a respectful life. Their freedom was curtailed at every stage. He wanted the basic and honourable freedom of achieving his potential of earning his keep, of marrying and having a family. He believed that freedom is indivisible. Everyone has to be free.

Question 17: What were Mandela’s opinions about the first and last decades of the twentieth century? Why does he say on the day of the inauguration that he was overwhelmed with a sense of history?

Answer: On the day of the inauguration, the speaker’s mind went back to history. He remembered the first decade when the whites ruled over South Africa and they made discriminated against the blacks. They built a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. Their behavior was full of cruelty. They meted out inhuman treatment to the blacks. But now in the last decade of this century, this cruel system was overturned. Now a new system replaced it. It was the first democratic government of South Africa. Now there will be no discrimination on the basis of color. That is why, on the day of the inauguration, he was overwhelmed with a sense of history.

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Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English First Flight

In this article we are providing Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers PDF Class 10 English First Flight CBSE, Extra Questions for Class 10 English was designed by subject expert teachers.

Extract Based Questions [3 Marks each]

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.  10th May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days 1 had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. [CBSE2015] (a) Who were coming and for what before the inauguration? (b) What happened on the inauguration? (c) Find out the word that means the same ‘commencement’ from the passage. (d) Find the word from the passage which means ‘an open space surround by sloping land’.

Answer: (a) Dignitaries and world leaders were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. (b) On the inauguration the first ever democracy, a non-racial government was installed as a victory of good or evil. (c) The word is ‘inauguration’. (d) The word is ‘ampitheater’.

Question 2. On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy President. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and its people. (a) Who accompanied Nelson Mandela on the inauguration? (b) Who took the oath before Mandela? For what? (c) Find out the word from the passage that has the same meaning as ‘maintain’. (d) ……. means a small platform that a person stands on when giving a speech etc. Answer: (a) Zenani, the daughter of Nelson Mandela accompanied him on the inauguration. (b) Mr Deklerk and Mr Thabo Mbeki took oath before Nelson Mandela as the second and first deputy president respectively. (c) The word is ‘uphold’. (d) The word is ‘podium’.

Question 3. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is after all a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. (a) What does ‘we’ refer in the first line of the passage? (b) What did the people of South Africa achieve at last? (c) The word ‘bondage’ means …… in the passage. (d) Give a synonym of ’emancipation’.

Answer: (a) ‘We’ refers to the people of South Africa in the first line of the jpassage. (b) The people of South Africa achieved their political emancipation at last. (c) The word bondage means slavery in the passage. (d) ‘Freedom/liberation’ is a synonym of emancipation.

Question 4. A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke Trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag. (a) What did the highest generals do in the event? (b) What did the smoke trail of Impala symbolise? (c) Pick out the word from the passage that means the same as adorned. (d) is a line or pattern in the shape of ‘V’ signifying victory. Answer: (a) The highest generals of defence and police saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty to him. (b) The smoke trail of Impala symbolised the new national flag of South Africa. (c) The word is ‘bedecked’. (d) Chevron.

Question 5. On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned people’s of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the 20th centuryrand my own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned for ever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin. That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. (a) What happened after Anglo-Boer war? (b) On what basis the structure of new government created? (c) Pick the word in the passage which has the same meaning as ‘submerged’. (d) What is the meaning of the phrase ‘to patch up the differences’?

Answer: (a) After Anglo-Boer war, the white people of South Africa erected a system of racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. (b) New government was created as the recognition of the rights and freedoms of all peoples regardless of the colour of their skin. (c) The word is ‘overwhelmed’. (d) The meaning is ‘to settle some dispute’.

Question 6. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended, effect, ‘ and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time-men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it reguires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds. (a) What did the policy of apartheid create? (b) According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth? (c) Find out the word in the passage which means ‘large-heartedness.’ (d) Pick out the word from the passage which means to treat somebody/something cruelly and unfairly.

Answer: (a) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the country and its people. (b) According to Mandela the people of his nation are the greatest wealth, not the gems or minerals. (c) The word is ‘generosity’. (d) The word is ‘to oppress’.

Question 7. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, – perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” (a) How does Mandela define the brave? (b) Which was the grimmest time for Mandela? (c) Find a word similar in meaning to ‘victory’. (d) Explain Man’s goodness is flame that can be hidden but never extinguished. Answer: (a) Mandela defines the brave as the one who has the courage to conquer fear. (b) When Mandela and his comrades were pushed to their limit behind the bars, it was the grimmest time for him. (c) The word is ‘triumph’. (d) It means goodness flows through the human heart constantly: under compulsion, the shadow of selfishness may stop it for a while but it can never be altogether removed.

Question 8. In life, every man has twin obligations- obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated.           [CBSE 2014 ] (a) What are the obligations that every man has in life? (b) Why was it impossible for a coloured man to discharge his obligations? (c) Find the word in the passage which has same meaning as ‘duty’. (d) A word synonymous with intentions’ is ……… in the passage. Answer: (a) Every man has two obligations one is to his family and second to his community and country. (b) In South Africa if a coloured man tried to fulfil his obligations, he was punished and isolated. (c) The word is.‘obligation’. (d) Inclinations.

Question 9. “I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God. It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a. young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family—the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.” (a) In what ways was Mandela free? (b) What kind of freedom did Mandela yearn for as a man? (c) Give the meaning of the word ‘illusion’? (d) What do you mean by ‘transitory’.

Answer: (a) Mandela was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream, free to roast mealies and ride the backs of slow moving bulls. (b) Mandela yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his potential of earning his life, of marrying and having a family. (c) Something which appears to be real but isn’t actually so. (d) Transitory means ‘momentary or impermanent’

Question 10. “But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk. I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poof and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.” (a) Why did Mandela join the African National Congress? (b) Why did Mandela say that freedom was indivisible? (c) Find out the word in the passage with the same meaning ‘worthy’. (d) Which word of English can replace the word ‘animated’ given is the passage without altering its sense. Answer: (a) Mandela joined the african national congress because he wanted to fight for the freedom of his people. (b) Mandela knew that freedom is indivisible because the chains on anyone of his people were chains on all of them. (c) the word is ‘virtuous’. (d) the word is compelled/forced.

Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks each]

Question 1. What promise does Mandela make in the beginning of opening of his oath-taking speech? Answer: Mandela thanks all the international leaders and guests as he calls it an occasion of joy and victory for Justice. He promises that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 2. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood? [CBSE 2015] Answer: During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board backs of slow moving bulls.

Question 3. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria? Answer: It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 4. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in ceremony? Answer: Mandela emphasised to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.

Question 5. What did Mandela think for oppressor and oppressed?      [CBSE 2011] Answer: Mandela always thought that both oppressor and oppressed are deprived of their humanity. Oppressor is a prisoner of hatred while oppressed has no confidence in humanity so both of them need to be liberated.

Question 6. What do you understand by Apartheid’? Answer: ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 7. Describe the effect of the policy of apartheid on the people of South Africa. Answer: The policy of apartheid could not be considered fortunate for the people of South Africa. It created distance and a deep wound in the country and the people. Many great men like Oliver Tambo, Walttr Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, etc were produced due to the brutality and oppression. They were men of great character

Question 8. How is courage related to the brave man according to the author of the lesson? Answer: The author believes that courage is not the absence of fear, but it is the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel fear of any kind but he is the one who has the courage to conquer it.

Question 9. Could everyone fulfil the obligations personal or social in South Africa? Answer: No, everyone was not free to fulfil their obligations because of colour of the skin. If a persoti tried to fulfil their obligations, they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.

Question 10. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters? [CBSE 2012] Answer: Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National Congress and fought for the freedom.

Question 11. Why was Nelson Mandela changed into a bold man? Answer: Nelson Mandela was changed into a bold man due to his . desire of the freedom for his country and his countrymen. He wanted to live a life with dignity as he could not enjoy the limited freedom.

Long Answer (Value Based) Type Questions [8 Marks each]

Question 1. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”? Answer: Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 2. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence? Answer: Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal. He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 3. What does Mandela mean to say that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity? Answer: Mandela is right in saying that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them are actually the victim of hatred. Everyone is obliged to discharge their duties whether personal or social but without freedom a man cannot do so. The person who snatches this freedom of a man is really an oppressor and a prisoner of hatred. He has lack of humanity. But this is the same with a person who is oppressed by other.

Question 4. Describe the obligations which the author is talking about and also describe his feelings for them? Answer: In the chapter the author has talked about two obligation for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfil these obligations. But being a black coloured person in South Africa, a man was not free to perform his obligations and got punished if he tried to do that. Being a child the author never thought of such obligations but after he did so, he fought for the people and the country to be free and enjoy their freedom of performing their duties personal and social.

Question 5. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom’. [CBSE2014]

Answer: Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

For More Resources

• NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English
• CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter Wise Question Bank
• CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter Wise Question Bank
• CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Extra Questions
• CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Extra Questions
• CBSE Revision Notes for Class 10 English First Flight
• CBSE Revision Notes for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet

Extra Questions for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 English First Flight

Chapter 2 nelson mandela: long walk to freedom important questions class 10 first flight english.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was the national anthem for the blacks?

The National anthem for the blacks were ‘Die stem’.

Question 2. Who was sworn in as second deputy President?

Mr. de Klerk was sworn in as second deputy President in South Africa.

Question 3. What is the full name of Mr. Mandela?

The full name of Mr. Mandela is Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Question 4. What could the highest generals have done to the author earlier?

The highest generals could have arrested the author earlier.

Question 5. How old was the author at the time of the ‘Inauguration’?

The author was in his eighties at the time of the inauguration.

Question 6. Why did he join African National Congress?

He joined African National Congress to achieve freedom for all his people.

Question 7. What was Mandela not unmindful of?

Mandela was not unmindful of ‘Apartheid’.

Question 8. How was the new system different?

The new system was different because that system recognised the rights and freedom of all people.

Question 9. Who was sworn in as the first Deputy President of South Africa?

Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the first Deputy President of South Africa.

Question 10. Where did the ceremony take place?

The ceremony took place in the Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 11. What was the occasion?

It was the occasion of installation of South Africa’s first democratic government.

Question 12. Who was Zenani?

Zenani was the daughter of Nelson Mandela.

Question 13. When was that system eradicated?

The system was overturned in the last decade of the twentieth century.

Question 14. What did Mandela realise?

Mandela realised that there was no freedom in South Africa for anyone who looked like him.

Question 15. What did he think about freedom?

He thought that freedom is indivisible.

Question 16. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Courage means to Mandela the triumph over fear.

Question 16. What must the people learn

The people must learn to hate. If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.

Question 17. What promises did Mandela make to his people in the oath-taking speech?

In the oath-taking speech, Mandela promised that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 18. Who took oath first in the ceremony?

In the ceremony, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President.

Question 19. Who wrote the autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”.

Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom”.

Question 20. What roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings?

South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over Union Buildings.

Question 21. What did the smoke trail of Impala jets symbolise?

The smoke trail of Impala jets symbolised South African flag.

Question 22. Why had world leaders come there?

The world leader had come there to pay their respect to the newly formed Government.

Question 23. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Mandela thanks the international leaders for their support for the people of South Africa.

Question 24. What was specific about that system?

The system was formed on the basis of one of the harshest,’ most inhumane societies the world has ever known.

Question 25. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Nelson Mandela thinks that to love is natural, because it comes naturally in our hearts.

Question 26. Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

The oath-taking ceremony took place in Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 27. What did Mandela want as a student?

Mandela wanted freedom for himself as a student.

Question 28. What according to Mandela, is ‘true-freedom’?

According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

Question 29. Why was the Mandela pained?

Mandela was pained as the people who laid their lives for this day could not be present to see.

Question 30. What are two enemies of a person?

Prejudice and narrow-mindedness are the two enemies of a person.

Question 31. Who accompanied Mandela?

Mandela’s daughter Zenani accompanied him.

Question 32. What were the colours emitted by a chevron of Impala jets?

The colours emitted by a chevron of Impala jets were black, red, green, blue and gold.

Question 33. How many years did Nelson Mandela spend in prison.

Nelson Mandela Spent twenty seven years in prison.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?

It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 2. What do you understand by Apartheid’?

‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 3. Why could men not fulfil their twin obligations?

In South Africa, if a coloured person tried to fulfil his obligations to his people, he is isolated and prevented from fulfilling his obligation to his family. So, men could not fulfil their twin obligations.

Question 4. Where did the ‘ceremonies’ take place? Why were the ceremonies so important?

The ‘ceremonies’ took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in Pretoria in south Africa. The ceremonies were so important because these were meant for the celebration of victory of the south African natives over the ruling whites and for the installation of south Africa’s first ever democracy.

Question 5. How had the military general’s attitude changed, and why?

he military generals had witnessed the extraordinary courage and wisdom shown by Nelson Mandela in freeing South Africa from the bondage of the whites. The military generals, who would have arrested Mandela earlier, have now pledge their loyalty to him. This shows their change in attitude.

Question 6. How was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history?

In the first decade of the twentieth century and before Mandela’s birth, the whites in South Africa had erected a system of racial domination known as ‘apartheid’. In the last decade of the twentieth century, when Mandela was in his eighties, he saw that system crumbling. So, he was overwhelmed with a sense of history.

Question 7. What problems hinder each man to fulfil these obligations in South Africa?

Whenever a native South African tries to fulfil his duty to his people, he is ripped from his family and forced to live an isolated life. He is isolated even if he tries to live as a human being. So, it is very difficult in South Africa to fulfil these obligations.

Question 8.  How did the policy of apartheid create a deep and lasting wound in South African blacks?

No doubt, the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and the blacks. It would take many years to recover from that profound hurt. The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and brutality on the blacks of South Africa.

Question 9.  Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history and what bad thing happened in the first decade of the 10th century?

Mandela is overwhelmed with a sense of history and remembers when the hated apartheid policy was introduced in South Africa. After the Boer war, the white people of South Africa patched up their differences. They set up a system of racial domination against the black people of their own race.

Question 10.  What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?

There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over the Union Buildings. The highest generals of the military and police saluted President Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a free and fairly elected government.

Question 11. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Mandela set out ideals for the future of South Africa because he had deep feelings for his country and countrymen. He pledged to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation and discrimination.

Question 12.  What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud of it?

The apartheid regime was an extraordinary human disaster for the blacks of South Africa. The end of the apartheid laid down the foundation of a non-racial democratic regime in South Africa. This government based on human equality and dignity would be an ideal one of which all humanity will be proud.

Question 13.  Where did the ceremonies take place? What had it been for decades?

The ceremonies of the inauguration of the new government took place at the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same place had remained the seat of white supremacy for decades.

Question 14.  What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote him to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

Question 15.  When did Mandela’s hunger for self-turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people?

Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger.”

Question 16.  How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?

Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from great patriots and comrades in the struggle. They risked their lives and stood up to attacks and tortures of the apartheid regime. He learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Question 17.  Why was it impossible for a man of Mandela’s birth and colour to fulfil the twin obligations?

In South Africa, no black could fulfil the twin obligations. If a black who tried to live as a human being was punished and isolated. A person who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was separated from his family and was forced to live in secrecy and rebellion.

Question 18. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

In the first decade of the 20th century, the whites erected a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. They set up the most inhumane system of apartheid where the blacks were denied the fundamental right of freedom. In the last decade of the twentieth century, the system was overturned. The policy of apartheid was uprooted from the land and a new non-racial democratic government was installed to ensure equal rights and freedom to all the people of South Africa.

Question 19.  When and how did Mandela’s hunger for his own freedom becomes the greater hunger for the freedom of his people?

Mandela realised that not only was he not free, but his people were not free. When he joined the African National Congress, then his hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

Question 20.  Freedom is “indivisible”, said Mandela. How were the chains on anyone were the chains on all of his people?

Mandela thought that he is not more virtuous than the others. He thought that “freedom is indivisible”. The chains on any one of his people were chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him.

Question 21.  What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?

The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all.

Question 22.  Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?

10 th May 1994 is important for South Africa because first democratic non-racial government elections were held on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country.

Question 23.  What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the Inaugural Ceremony?

He remembered the history — the birth Apartheid, its effect on his people and long fight for freedom. He remembered the freedom fighters that suffered and sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant to him at different stages of life and his hunger for freedom.

Question 24.  How was that site a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations?

The end of the apartheid regime was a common victory for peace, justice and human dignity. Leaders and dignitaries of all nations irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered there to celebrate that victory. So, the site presented a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

Question 25.  Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on their own soil?

Answer:  Those who were outlaws not so long ago were given the rare privilege. They had the privilege of hosting and welcoming nations of the world on their soul. The blacks were no more outlaws now but enjoyed equality and human dignity.

Question 26.  Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him not so many years ago?

In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many years. After the end of the apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically elected government of South Africa. The same generals who would have put him in prison not so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of South Africa.

Question 27.  Why was the apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the harshest and most inhuman systems in the world?

The apartheid regime was based on the racial discrimination and exploitation of blacks in South Africa. The basic or fundamental rights were only for the whites and the blacks were deprived of these freedoms. Oppression, torture and exploitation of the blacks were common features of the apartheid regime.

Question 28.  How did the policy of apartheid and deep oppression produce patriots of extraordinary, courage, wisdom and generosity?

The policy of apartheid unleashed a reign of terror and oppression on the black people but they could not break their resolution and determination. The deep oppression produced patriot of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. It produced thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Sadoos, Fischer’s and Sobukwes of their time.

Question 29. Whose names were particularly taken by Mandela in the inauguration ceremony?

In the inauguration ceremony, Mandela announced the names of Oliver Tamboo, Walter Sisulus, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fisher and Robert Sobukwes. These men were of extraordinary courage and wisdom.

Question 30.  How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to the human heart — love or hate?

No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are taught to hate. And if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.

Question 31.  Was Mandela born with a hunger to be free? What did freedom mean to him in childhood?

Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In childhood, freedom has a very limited concept. He felt that he was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream near his village and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as he obeyed his father and the customs of his life, he was a free man.

Question 32. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

They obey their masters. They acted under the orders of the whites so far. Today they had shown their loyalty to the democracy. Earlier they arrested Mandela. Today they showed their loyalty to him by saluting him. There was a change in system. The newly elected non-racial democratic government had changed their (military generals) attitude. Now they were not the servants of the whites. They were now in the service of their own people.

Question 33.  What, according to Mandela, is ‘true freedom’?

When Mandela was a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the streams. As a young man, he wanted basic and honourable freedoms, eg. to earn his living, too many and to have a family. According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

Question 34. What were the two anthems sung on the day of oath-taking ceremony?

On the day of oath-taking ceremony, the two anthems were sung. ‘Nkosi Sikelel-i-Afrika’ was for the whites and ‘Die stem’ was for the blacks. ‘Die stem’ was the old anthem of the country.

Question 35.  Why did Nelson Mandela feel that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and hence, both of them must be liberated?

Nelson Mandela rightly believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and hate. A person can never be free if his freedom is taken away. Hence, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 36.  What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?

Nelson Mandela was sad for not being able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.

Question 37.  What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations.

Question 38. What did the generals and police officers do on that day?

The generals and police officers were also there. They were in their uniform. They had ribbons and medals on their chests. They saluted Mandela with great respect. Mandela was the first black President of South Africa. Although, many years ago, they might have arrested him.

Question 39.  Why was the 10th of May, 1994 a red-letter day in the history of South Africa

10th of May 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the day when the hated regime of apartheid came to an end. A new democratically elected non-racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be sworn in. Many international leaders and dignitaries came to pay their respect to the new government.

Question 40.  Who were the persons sworn in on the 10th of May? What did Mandela pledge to obey?

Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy President. Then, in the end, Mr. Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. He pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well being of the Republic and its people.

Question 41.  After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in South Africa?

South Africa and the blacks have achieved their political emancipation. Mandela pledges to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, want, suffering, gender and other discriminations. South Africa will never ever experience the oppression of one by another. He wishes the reign of freedom will never die in South Africa.

Question 42. What is the meaning of courage to Mandela?

According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Mandela learned the true meaning of courage from his comrades in the struggle.

Question 43.  What did the playing of two national anthems symbolise?

On the historic day of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of South Africa, two national anthems were played. The whites song `Nkosi Sikelel-i-Africa’ and the black sang ‘Die Stem’. Neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised. They would soon know the words by heart.

Question 44.  Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African patriots who had gone before him?

Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his people who fought against the apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can never be cemented or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.

Question 45. How did South African jets, helicopters and troops demonstrate?

It was a very special day for all. South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation. They flew over the Union Buildings. It was a show of military’s loyalty to the country and its democracy.

Question 46.  What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?

South Africa is rich in minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the greatest wealth of a nation. Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a nation is its people. They are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

Question 47. What did Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed?

Mandela thought about the oppressor and the oppressed that both are robbed equally. A mail who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. In the same way, if his freedom is taken away, they both are without freedom. So both of them must be liberated.

Question 48.  What are the twin obligations every man has in life?

Mandela thinks that every man has twin obligations in life. The first is his obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. The second duty is his duty to his people, his community and his country. Each man has to fulfil these two obligations according to his position and abilities.

Question 49.  What were the transitory freedoms that Nelson Mandela yearned for as a young man? Why did he feel that his boyhood freedom was an illusion?

Nelson Mandela felt that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already been taken from him. Then he began to hunger for it. At first, he wished the transitory freedoms of staying out. Later on, he yearned for basic needs of earning, marrying and having a family.

Question 50. What did Mandela say about the future of the country in his speech?

In his speech, Nelson Mandela said, “I see a bright future of the country. Now no one will experience the oppression by another. It will make much progress. All people shall be free to do what they like.”

Question 51.  What animated Mandela’s life and transformed a frightened young lawyer into a bold criminal?

It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated his life. It transformed a frightened young man into a bold one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to be a criminal. It turned a family loving husband to live like a monk.

Question 52. How did ‘hunger for freedom’ change Mandela’s life?

In the beginning of his life, Mandela was not aware about freedom. Later, Mandela found that his freedom had been taken away from him. As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but slowly his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. This changed him completely.

Question 53. What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?

According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations in life. The first obligation is to his family, to his parents, wife and children. Secondly, he has an obligation to his country, people, and community.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.  Summarise the chapter ‘Nelson Mandela -Long walk to Freedom.

The chapter was taken from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom. Nelson Mandela spoke about a historic occasion, ‘the inauguration’ after becoming the first Black President of South Africa. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria today. It was attended by politician and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world. After a long period of White domination, South Africa had become a democratic republic. Mandela called it a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity. He also called it a glorious human achievement. He pledged to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, derivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He fought for the freedom of his people. The British rulers of South Africa followed the policy of apartheid, which discriminated the Black from the White people. Mandela called it an extra ordinary human disaster. He believed, the deeper the oppression, the higher the character. From his comrades he learned that courage meant not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. According to him every man had twin obligations- obligations to his family and obligation to his people, his country. He found no difference between the oppressor and the oppressed. He called both of them prisoners. One was imprisoned behind the bars; the other was imprisoned behind bars of hatred. He was an enthusiastic young boy who wanted to enjoy freedom. He wished the sun of freedom to shine on his country and countrymen forever.

Question 2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Freedom had different meanings for Mandela at different stages. As a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the stream. As a student he wanted freedom to stay out at nights, to read what he liked, later he realised that this freedom was an illusion. He found that all the black brothers and sisters were in chains. There was no freedom for a respectful life. Their freedom was curtailed at every stage. He wanted the basic and honourable freedom of achieving his potential of earning his keep, of marrying and having a family. He believed that freedom is indivisible. Everyone has to be free.

Question 3. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”?

Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 4. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence?

Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal. He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 5. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. 

Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

Question 6. What differences came in Mandela’s opinion about the meaning of freedom, when he was a little boy and w hen he became young?

There were many differences in Mandela’s opinion about the meaning of freedom, when he was a little boy and when he became young. While he was a little boy, the meaning of freedom was to run in the fields and to swim in the streams.When he became young, he realised that his freedom was an illusion. Now he had realised that not only his freedom, but also others freedom had been seized. So he felt a hunger for freedom now. He wanted that all the people of his country should live with self-respect. They must do what they liked.

Question 7. “I was not born with a hunger to be free.” What was the result of his hunger for freedom?

When Nelson Mandela was a young boy, he didn’t know anything about freedom. His hunger for freedom began when he saw his people being punished under the policy of apartheid. It was clear to him that his boyhood freedom was just an illusion. Then he had come to know that he and his countrymen had no freedom. They could not say anything freely. Now Mandela’s hunger for freedom had increased. Although, as a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but after growing up, he started to think maturely about the freedom. He saw that in South Africa everybody’s freedom was curtailed. Thus the result of his hunger for freedom was the freedom of the country.

Question 8. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Mandela’s hunger for freedom forced him to join African National Congress to eradicate the system of apartheid. Before him thousands of the patriots had sacrificed their lives. Mandela does not take the entire credit. He calls himself simply the sum of all those African patriots who had laid the path towards the achievement of success. He continued the movement started by them. He was only a part of that movement.

Question 9. What Mandela think about the patriots? Can they be repaid?

Nelson Mandela thinks that the freedom and democratic government have all come only due to the great sacrifices of thousands of patriots. They were those men who did not care about their lives and died for their people and country. They can’t be repaid. He thinks himself the sum of all those who had sacrificed their lives. Now he regrets that he was not able to thank them. According to Mandela, the policy of apartheid greatly wounded the people. It was hard to recover. It would take much time. These great patriots were Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe, etc.

Question 10. Discuss the scene of the inauguration ceremony? Who took oath in the ceremony? Why is the inauguration called a historic occasion for South Africa?

It was the bright and clear day of 10th May, 1994. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria. The most famous world leaders and representatives gathered there. The generals and police officers were also there. They had medals and ribbons on their chests. South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. First of all Mr. de Klerk, then Thabo Mbeki and then Nelson Mandela took the oath.

Question 11.  Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and so ‘glorious human achievement’. What did he mean by that?

The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial discrimination brought oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for the whites. They led a life of humiliation. At last on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa.

Question 12. What ideas does Mandela have about courage, love and hate?

According to Mandela, he learnt the meaning of courage from his comrades. They struggled very hard for the freedom of the country. They did not care for their lives. They sacrificed everything for their people and country. They did not break before the brutality of the oppressors. They showed their full strength. So Mandela learned courage from them. To him, courage means not the absence of fear but the victory over it. The brave man is one who conquers fear. No man is born hating another man due to colour or religion. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. According to Mandela, both the oppressor and the oppressed are the prisoners of hatred. No one can become happy after taking away other’s freedom.

Question 13. What are two obligations that Mandela described in this lesson? What was the reason that he was not able to fulfil those obligations?

In the lesson, Mandela described two obligations that everyone had to perform. One obligation is for the family, children and wife and second obligation is for the country and community. But due to apartheid policy in South Africa, Mandela was not able to fulfil his obligation. Although men could fulfil these obligations according to their capacities and abilities. But in South Africa it was impossible for the blacks. When Mandela tried to fulfil them for his family, he was cut off from his family. He was forced to live the life of separation. When he tried to serve his country, he was put into prison. Thus, Mandela was not able to fulfil his obligations.

Question 14. India is a country of unity in diversity—there are different languages, traditions, dresses, castes and cultures. Do you find any sort of discrimination in India?

India is a very big country. It has different languages, traditions, dresses, castes and cultures. Even then India has unity in diversity. Its Constitution gives equality to every citizen. There is no place for colour prejudice in it. In India everyone has a right to get education to appear in competitions and to live at any place. There is no discrimination among Indians on the basis of caste, creed and colour. Indians can live in any state and they can marry in any caste. There is no colour discrimination in India.

Question 15.  What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?

In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger, oppression and injustice but kept the flame of independence burning in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.

Question 16. What does courage mean to Mandela? How did he learn the meaning of courage? What do you get about courage, love and hate from this chapter?

In this chapter, Nelson Mandela says that he learnt the meaning of courage from the comrades. They were freedom fighters. They did not care about their lives. He had seen those people who had sacrificed their life for the country. He learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. In other words, the brave man is one who conquers fear. In Mandela’s opinion, no man is born to hate another man on the basis of skin, colour or religion. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than from its opposite. Both the oppressor and the oppressed are the prisoners of hatred. They take away each other’s freedom.

Question 17. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Yes, it is true that the depths of oppression create heights of character. Nelson Mandela illustrated this argument by giving examples of some people of extraordinary courage and wisdom. This period of struggle to end apartheid produced people like Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, Bram Fischers and so on in the soil, of South Africa. Nelson Mandela himself was a product of the same conditions. The hunger for freedom changed his life. The history of India is full of such characters. Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai and so on were the people of extraordinary courage produced by the depth of oppression in India.

Question 18.  The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity against the most hated apartheid regime based on racial discrimination. Comment.

The inauguration ceremony of the installation of a democratically elected government in South Africa was of great historical importance. After the Boer war, the white ‘peoples’, patched up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites through the apartheid based on racial discrimination. The inauguration ceremony attracted worldwide recognition. International leaders and dignitaries from more than 140 countries assembled at the amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The whole world hailed it as a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. The grand struggle of the black patriots against the most hated regime of apartheid succeeded. There was a spectacular display of jets and the salute by the bedecked generals with ribbons to President Mandela. It showed the military’s loyalty to democracy. The playing of the two national anthems symbolised a new regime based on equality irrespective of race and colour.

Question 19. What were Mandela’s opinions about the first and last decades of the twentieth century? Why does he say on the day of the inauguration that he was overwhelmed with a sense of history? .

On the day of the inauguration, the speaker’s mind went back to history. He remembered the first decade, when the whites ruled over South Africa and they made a discrimination against the blacks. They built a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. Their behaviour was full of cruelty. They meted out inhuman treatment to the blacks. But now in the last decade of this century, this cruel system was overturned. Now a new system replaced it. It was the first democratic government of South Africa. Now there will be no discrimination on the basis of colour. That is why, on the day of the inauguration, he was overwhelmed with a sense of history.

Question 20. What ideas did we get about freedom, the oppressor and the oppressed from this lesson? How did Nelson Mandela get hunger for freedom?

According to Mandela, both the oppressor and the oppressed need freedom. Not only the oppressed is without freedom, but also the oppressor. He is the prisoner of hatred, only his level of thinking encourages him to snatch others freedom. It is all due to his narrow mindedness. It is an obvious idea that the oppressed has no freedom. Nelson Mandela had hunger for freedom, when he knew that his freedom had been snatched. His idea for freedom was an illusion. He saw that his brothers and sisters were without freedom. His hunger for freedom encouraged him to join the African National Congress.

Question 21. Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. Comment.

Nelson Mandela was a true hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. His conscience encouraged him to demand a respectful and unique life for all. His soul cleared him about the twin obligations for everyone. He was always determined to fulfil them. He performed his obligations for his family as well as for his community. Although he was prevented from doing so, yet he did not stop and got discouraged.

Question 22.  Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible? How are the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity?

Nelson Mandela believes that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. He couldn’t live his life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in chains. The chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking away someone else’s freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from him. Thus the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 23. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

A large number of international leaders attended the installation ceremony of first democratic non- racial government in South Africa. It was the end of apartheid in South Africa. It was a common victory for justice, for peace and for human dignity. The international community supported the cause of South Africa. It signified the triumph of humanity against oppression, fear and discrimination. Both the oppressor and the oppressed were liberated.

Question 24. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. With time and experience he discovered that the boyhood freedom was only an illusion. He found that as a young mem his freedom had already been taken away from him. His people and community were denied the fundamental right of living a dignified life. This made him hungry for freedom. Ha joined the African National Congress. This desire for the freedom transformed him from a frightened young man into bold one, a law-abiding person to a criminal, a family-loving person to a man without a home. This desire forced a life-loving man to live the life of a monk.

Question 25.  Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the  apartheid regime for the human rights of his people.

Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected government in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. Later on, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his concept of freedom in his youth was also ‘transitory’ and was limited to his personal freedom.

Only when he joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young lawyer was transformed into a bold `criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to lead the life of a monk in secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people. Modestly, he realises that freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a free and honourable life if his people were in chains.

Nelson Mandela had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive and couldn’t be divided. It shows his greatness that both the oppressor and the oppressed should be liberated. Both of them alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 26.  Which twin obligations does Nelson Mandela mention in the lesson? Why were he and the rest of blacks able to fulfil those obligations?

Nelson Mandela that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation of a man is to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. He has another obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community and his country. Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength.

But in South Africa, it was impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those obligations. If a man tried to live as a human being, he was punished and isolated. If any person in South Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully separated from his family and his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed his people above his family. In attempting to serve his people, he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.

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