Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10, Chapter 2 - Summary,Questions, Answers, Extra Questions, MCQ

Detailed summary of 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' from NCERT Class X, Book First Flight.

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Introduction: Overview of 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', Class 10, NCERT, First Flight, Chapter 2

'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' is an inspiring chapter in the NCERT Class 10 book 'First Flight'. It covers the life of Nelson Mandela and his fight against apartheid in South Africa. This chapter highlights Mandela’s historic inauguration as the first black President of South Africa, his struggles, sacrifices, and the lessons of humanity, justice, and freedom.

Summary of 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'

Nelson Mandela describes the inauguration day, May 10, 1994, as the beginning of a new era in South Africa’s history, marking the end of apartheid and the start of a non-racial democracy. Mandela, who spent over 30 years in prison for fighting against racial segregation, shares how the day was not just a personal victory, but a triumph for the entire nation. The chapter reflects on his journey of transforming from a freedom fighter to a statesman, emphasizing his belief that no one is born hating others based on race or religion, but can be taught to love. Mandela acknowledges the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight for freedom and outlines the challenges that remain in building a just and equal society.

Summary of 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' in Major Indian Languages

Summary in Hindi

"नेल्सन मंडेला: लॉन्ग वॉक टू फ्रीडम" अध्याय नेल्सन मंडेला की जीवन यात्रा पर आधारित है, जिसमें वे रंगभेद के खिलाफ संघर्ष करते हैं और दक्षिण अफ्रीका के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति बनते हैं। मंडेला बताते हैं कि किस तरह उन्होंने देश की स्वतंत्रता के लिए अपने जीवन के 27 साल जेल में बिताए। यह अध्याय स्वतंत्रता, समानता, और मानव अधिकारों की महत्ता को उजागर करता है।

Summary in Kannada

"ನೇಲ್ಸನ್ ಮಂಡೇಲಾ: ಲಾಂಗ್ ವಾಕ್ ಟು ಫ್ರೀಡಂ" ಅಧ್ಯಾಯವು ನೇಲ್ಸನ್ ಮಂಡೇಲಾ ಅವರ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಪಾರ್ಟೈಡ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಹೋರಾಟವನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಅವರು ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದ ಮೊದಲ ಕಪ್ಪು ಜನಾಂಗದ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಪತಿಯಾಗುವ ಮೊದಲು 27 ವರ್ಷಗಳನ್ನು ಜೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದು ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ, ಸಮಾನತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನವ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ಮಹತ್ವವನ್ನು ತಲುಪಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

Summary in Odia

"ନେଲସନ୍ ମାଣ୍ଡେଲା: ଲଙ୍ଗ ୱାକ୍ ଟୁ ଫ୍ରିଡମ୍" ଅଧ୍ୟାୟଟି ନେଲସନ୍ ମାଣ୍ଡେଲାଙ୍କ ଜୀବନ ଉପରେ ଆଧାରିତ ଅଟେ, ଯେଉଁଠାରେ ସେ ରଙ୍ଗଭେଦ ନିବାରଣ ପାଇଁ ଲଢ଼ନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ଦକ୍ଷିଣ ଆଫ୍ରିକାର ପ୍ରଥମ ଅଶ୍ୱେତ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ହେବା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆପଣଙ୍କ 27 ବର୍ଷ କାରାଗାରରେ ଅନୁଭବ କରିଥିଲେ। ଏହା ସ୍ୱାତନ୍ତ୍ର୍ଯ, ସମାନତା ଏବଂ ମାନବ ଅଧିକାରର ମହତ୍ତ୍ୱ କୁ ବୁଝାଏ।

Summary in Punjabi

"ਨੈਲਸਨ ਮੰਡੇਲਾ: ਲਾਂਗ ਵਾਕ ਟੂ ਫ੍ਰੀਡਮ" ਦਾ ਅਧਿਆਇ ਨੈਲਸਨ ਮੰਡੇਲਾ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਤੇ ਆਧਾਰਿਤ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਹ ਅਫਰੀਕੀ ਰੰਗਭੇਦ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਲੜਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਅਫਰੀਕਾ ਦੇ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਕਾਲੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਪਤੀ ਬਣਦੇ ਹਨ। ਇਹ ਅਧਿਆਇ ਸਵਤੰਤਰਤਾ, ਸਦਭਾਵਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਹੱਤਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਉਜਾਗਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।

Summary in Bengali

"নেলসন ম্যান্ডেলা: লং ওয়াক টু ফ্রিডম" অধ্যায়টি নেলসন ম্যান্ডেলার জীবন নিয়ে লেখা হয়েছে, যেখানে তিনি বর্ণবৈষম্যের বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করেন এবং দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকার প্রথম কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ রাষ্ট্রপতি হন। এই অধ্যায়টি স্বাধীনতা, সমতা এবং মানবাধিকারের গুরুত্বকে প্রতিফলিত করে।

Summary in Tamil

"நெல்சன் மண்டேலா: லாங் வாக் டு ஃப்ரீடம்" என்ற பாடம் நெல்சன் மண்டேலாவின் வாழ்க்கைப் பயணத்தை விவரிக்கிறது. அவர் தென்னாப்பிரிக்காவின் முதல் கருப்பினச் சார்ந்த ஜனாதிபதியாக உயர்வதற்கு முன்னர் 27 ஆண்டுகள் சிறையில் இருந்தார். இந்தப் பாடம் சுதந்திரம், சமநிலை மற்றும் மனித உரிமைகளின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை விளக்குகிறது.

Summary in Telugu

"నెల్సన్ మండేలా: లాంగ్ వాక్ టు ఫ్రీడమ్" పాఠం నెల్సన్ మండేలా జీవిత గమనాన్ని వివరిస్తుంది, ఆయన తెల్లవాళ్ల రక్షణకు వ్యతిరేకంగా పోరాడి, దక్షిణాఫ్రికా యొక్క మొదటి నల్లజాతి అధ్యక్షుడిగా ఎదుగుతారు. ఈ పాఠం స్వేచ్ఛ, సమానత్వం, మరియు మానవ హక్కుల ప్రధానతను ప్రతిబింబిస్తుంది.

Summary in Malayalam

"നെൽസൺ മണ്ടേല: ലോങ് വാക്ക് ടു ഫ്രീഡം" അദ്ധ്യായം നെൽസൺ മണ്ടേലയുടെ ജീവിതത്തെ ആധാരമാക്കി എഴുതപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. 27 വർഷം തടവിൽ കഴിഞ്ഞ മണ്ടേല, ദക്ഷിണാഫ്രിക്കയുടെ ആദ്യ കറുത്ത വർഗ്ഗജനാധിപത്യ പ്രസിഡന്റായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. ഈ പാഠം സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യത്തിന്റെ, സമത്വത്തിന്റെ, മാനവാവകാശങ്ങളുടെ പ്രസക്തിയെ പ്രതിപാദിക്കുന്നു.

Summary in Gujarati

"નેલ્સન મંડેલા: લોંગ વોક ટુ ફ્રિડમ" અધ્યાય નેલ્સન મંડેલાના જીવનપ્રવાહને વર્ણવે છે, જેમાં તેઓ રંગભેદ સામે લડીને દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાના પહેલા કાળા રાષ્ટ્રપતિ બન્યા હતા. આ અધ્યાય સ્વતંત્રતા, સમાનતા, અને માનવ અધિકારના મહત્ત્વને દર્શાવે છે.

Summary in Marathi

"नेल्सन मंडेला: लॉन्ग वॉक टू फ्रीडम" हा धडा नेल्सन मंडेलांच्या जीवनावर आधारित आहे. त्यांनी वर्णद्वेषाच्या विरोधात २७ वर्षं तुरुंगात घालवल्यानंतर दक्षिण आफ्रिकेचे पहिले कृष्णवर्णीय राष्ट्राध्यक्ष बनले. हा धडा स्वतंत्रता, समानता, आणि मानवी हक्कांची महत्त्वता स्पष्ट करतो.

Summary in Assamese

"নেলছন মাণ্ডেলা: লং ৱাক টু ফ্ৰীডম" নামৰ অধ্যায়টো নেলছন মাণ্ডেলাৰ জীৱনৰ ওপৰত আধাৰিত। বৰ্ণবৈষম্যৰ বিৰুদ্ধে যুঁজ দি দক্ষিণ আফ্ৰিকাৰ প্ৰথম কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ ৰাষ্ট্ৰপতি হোৱা মাণ্ডেলাৰ জীৱনসংগ্ৰাম এই অধ্যায়ত বৰ্ণিত হৈছে। অধ্যায়টোত স্বাধীনতা, সমতা আৰু মানৱাধিকাৰৰ গুৰুত্ব প্ৰতিফলিত হৈছে।

Summary in Konkani

"नेल्सन मंडेला: लॉन्ग वॉक टू फ्रीडम" हा धडा नेल्सन मंडेलांचे जीवन वर्णन करतो. त्यांनी २७ वर्षं तुरुंगात घालवून वर्णद्वेषविरोधी लढा दिला आणि दक्षिण आफ्रिकेचे पहिले कृष्णवर्णीय राष्ट्राध्यक्ष बनले. हा धडा स्वतंत्रता, समता आणि मानवी हक्कांचे महत्व दर्शवितो.

Summary in Manipuri

"নেলছন মাণ্ডেলা: লং ৱাক টু ফ্ৰীডম" অধ্যায়টোত নেলছন মাণ্ডেলাৰ জীৱনৰ ওপৰত আধাৰিত। বৰ্ণবৈষম্যৰ বিৰুদ্ধে যুঁজ দি দক্ষিণ আফ্ৰিকাৰ প্ৰথম কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ ৰাষ্ট্ৰপতি হোৱা মাণ্ডেলাৰ জীৱনসংগ্ৰাম এই অধ্যায়ত বৰ্ণিত হৈছে। স্বাধীনতা, সমতা আৰু মানৱাধিকাৰৰ গুৰুত্ব প্ৰতিফলিত হৈছে।

Important Questions and Answers

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.

Column A

  1. A rainbow gathering of different colours and nations
  2. The seat of white supremacy
  3. Be overwhelmed with a sense of history
  4. Resilience that defies the imagination
  5. A glimmer of humanity
  6. A twilight existence

Column B

  • A beautiful coming together of various peoples, like the colours in a rainbow
  • The centre of racial superiority
  • Feel deeply emotional, remembering and understanding all the past events that have led up to the moment
  • A great ability (almost unimaginable) to remain unchanged by suffering (not losing hope, goodness, or courage)
  • A sign of human feeling (goodness, kindness, pity, justice, etc.)
  • A half-secret life, like a life lived in the fading light between sunset and darkness

Answers:

  1. A rainbow gathering of different colours and nations — A beautiful coming together of various peoples, like the colours in a rainbow
  2. The seat of white supremacy — The centre of racial superiority
  3. Be overwhelmed with a sense of history — Feel deeply emotional, remembering and understanding all the past events that have led up to the moment
  4. Resilience that defies the imagination — A great ability (almost unimaginable) to remain unchanged by suffering (not losing hope, goodness, or courage)
  5. A glimmer of humanity — A sign of human feeling (goodness, kindness, pity, justice, etc.)
  6. A twilight existence — A half-secret life, like a life lived in the fading light between sunset and darkness

Oral Comprehension Check

  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 Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. In India, some famous public buildings made of sandstone include the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Red Fort.

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

    10 May is an autumn day in South Africa because the seasons in the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. While May is spring in India, it is autumn in South Africa.

  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?

    Mandela refers to apartheid, the system of racial discrimination, as the “extraordinary human disaster.” The “glorious human achievement” he speaks of at the end is the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa.

  4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

    Mandela thanks the international leaders for supporting South Africa's struggle for freedom and for attending the inauguration ceremony, which he views as a collective victory for justice, peace, and human dignity.

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

    Mandela sets out the ideals of liberating South Africans from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and discrimination. He envisions a country where all individuals enjoy equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their race or background.

Oral Comprehension Check

  1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

    Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations: the first is to his family, parents, wife, and children; and the second is to his people, community, and country.

  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”?

    As a boy, being free meant being able to run in the fields, swim in the stream, and live without any restrictions as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe. As a student, freedom meant being able to stay out at night, read what he pleased, and go where he liked. He contrasts these “transitory freedoms” with the “basic and honourable freedoms,” which include the freedom to achieve his potential, earn his keep, and marry and have a family. These are freedoms not to be obstructed in living a lawful and fulfilling life.

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

    No, Mandela does not think the oppressor is free. He believes that a man who takes away another’s freedom is also a prisoner of hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. The oppressor, therefore, is as imprisoned as the oppressed.

Thinking About the Text

  1. 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 inauguration to show their support for South Africa's newly established democracy. It signified the triumph of justice, human dignity, and the end of apartheid, marking a global victory for peace and equality.

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

    Mandela means that his achievements are the result of the collective efforts, sacrifices, and struggles of all the African patriots who fought against apartheid. He acknowledges that his success is built upon the foundation laid by others who came before him.

  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?

    Yes, I agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character.” Mandela illustrates this by highlighting the courage, resilience, and selflessness of individuals like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and many others who fought against apartheid. Their suffering and oppression shaped them into leaders of immense strength and character. An example could be Mahatma Gandhi, whose experiences of racial discrimination in South Africa fueled his determination to lead India's fight for independence through non-violent resistance.

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

    Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolved as he grew older. Initially, as a young boy, he saw freedom as personal freedom—to live life as he pleased. However, as he matured, he realized that true freedom is indivisible, and he could not be truly free while his people were oppressed. This realization led him to fight for the freedom of all South Africans.

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

    Mandela's hunger for freedom transformed his life. It turned him from a law-abiding attorney into a freedom fighter, and from a man devoted to his family into a man willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom of his people. This hunger led him to endure imprisonment for 27 years and become the symbol of the struggle for liberation in South Africa.

Thinking About the Language

I. Nouns and Verbs

Here 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:

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

Noun Verb
rebellion rebel
constitution constitute
formation form
government govern

2. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets:

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

You know that the definite article ‘the’ is not normally used before proper nouns. However, when used in a plural or with “the”, it carries a special meaning.

For example:

… the decades of oppression and brutality … produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, … of our time.

The correct meaning is (b) many other men like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu …/many men of their type or kind, whose names may not be as well known.

Here are some more examples:

  • Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties. — It means people like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan (famous film stars).
  • Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times. — It means Madhuri Dixit is compared to Madhubala, a famous actress from the past.
  • History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons, and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well. — It means not just famous conquerors or dictators, but also the lives of ordinary people are part of history.

III. Idiomatic Expressions

Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in Column B:

Column A

  1. I was not unmindful of the fact
  2. When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits
  3. To reassure me and keep me going
  4. The basic and honourable freedoms of…earning my keep…

Column B

  • (i) had not forgotten; was aware of the fact
  • (i) pushed by the guards to the wall
  • (ii) help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
  • (i) earning enough money to live on

Answers:

  1. I was not unmindful of the fact — had not forgotten; was aware of the fact
  2. When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits — pushed by the guards to the wall
  3. To reassure me and keep me going — help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
  4. The basic and honourable freedoms of…earning my keep… — earning enough money to live on

Speaking

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.)

Speech Topic:

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

Issues to Discuss:

  • Causes of poverty and means of overcoming it
  • Discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc.
  • Constitutionally guaranteed human rights

Notes for the Speech:

  • Poverty: Lack of access to education, unemployment, systemic inequality, lack of healthcare, and corruption are significant causes of poverty. Overcoming poverty requires government intervention, access to free education, job creation, welfare programs, and equitable distribution of resources.
  • Discrimination: Many people still face discrimination based on gender, religion, race, or social class. True freedom involves breaking down these barriers and ensuring equal rights for everyone. Governments must enforce anti-discrimination laws, and societies should promote equality and acceptance.
  • Human Rights: Every individual has constitutionally guaranteed rights, such as the right to education, employment, and freedom of expression. Real liberty is achieved when these rights are accessible to all, regardless of their background, ensuring an inclusive and fair society.

Writing

I. Looking at Contrasts

Complete the sentences using the following phrases:

  • (i) they can be taught to love.
  • (ii) I was born free.
  • (iii) but the triumph over it.
  • (iv) but he who conquers that fear.
  • (v) to create such heights of character.
  1. It requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character.
  2. Courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
  3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.
  4. If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
  5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free.

II. Contrasts from the Text

Complete each sentence by finding the second part of the contrast in the text:

  1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a new, non-racial democracy.
  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 them 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.
  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.
  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.

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.

Sample Paragraph:

Colour prejudice is a subtle but significant issue in many parts of the world, including our own country. Although blatant forms of discrimination have reduced over time, biases based on skin colour still persist. People with darker complexions often face implicit prejudice, especially in beauty standards, employment, and marriage. Advertisements and popular media continue to promote fairness as an ideal, leading to societal pressure. However, it's important to recognize that beauty and worth are not tied to skin tone. The need for greater awareness and education about this issue is crucial for fostering an inclusive and fair society. By breaking these stereotypes and celebrating diversity, we can work towards eliminating colour prejudice in all its forms.

Humorous Verse:

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’.

Extra Questions for Revision

Why does Mandela believe the oppressor must also be liberated?

Mandela argues that oppressors are imprisoned by hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness, and are thus also deprived of their humanity. He believes true freedom comes when both the oppressed and the oppressor are liberated.

How did Mandela's understanding of freedom change over time?

Initially, Mandela saw freedom only for himself, but as he matured, he realized that freedom is indivisible. The chains on his people became the chains on him, leading him to fight for the freedom of all South Africans.