Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

 By Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
First Flight – Class 10 English

Word Meanings 

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Apartheid	A system of racial discrimination and separation between blacks and whites in South Africa
Emancipation	Freedom from restrictions or slavery
Curtailed	Limited or reduced
Jubilation	Great joy and celebration
Inauguration	A formal ceremony to mark the beginning of something (like becoming president)
Sworn in	To take an official oath (promise) for a position
Dignitaries	Important officials or respected people
Chafed	Felt irritated or annoyed
Profound	Very deep or meaningful
Wrought	Created or brought about (old-fashioned word)
Obligation	A duty or responsibility
Yearned	Wanted something very badly
Twilight	The time just before something ends; also means evening or old age

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English – Long Walk to Freedom

By Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

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

Answer:
The ceremonies took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa. These buildings are made of sandstone.

In India, some famous buildings made of sandstone are:

• Parliament House in New Delhi

• Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi

• Supreme Court of India in New Delhi

• Madras High Court in Chennai

2. Why is 10 May called an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Answer:
10 May is an autumn day because South Africa is in the southern part of the world, where the seasons are opposite to India. So, May is autumn there.

Also, 10 May 1994 was a very important day because Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa. This was a historic day for the country.

3. What does Mandela mean by “an extraordinary human disaster”? What is the “glorious human achievement”?

Answer:
“Extraordinary human disaster” means the terrible system of apartheid in South Africa. It was a system where black people were treated very badly by white people.

The “glorious human achievement” is that this bad system ended, and South Africa became a country where everyone is equal. Mandela becoming President was a proud moment for all.

4. What did Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Answer:
Mandela thanked the international leaders for coming to South Africa to attend his inauguration. It showed that the whole world supported the fight against racism and supported peace and justice.

5. What ideals did Mandela set for the future of South Africa?

Answer:
Mandela wanted South Africa to be free from poverty and suffering. He wanted a country where people are treated equally, no matter their race or gender. He wished for peace and respect for all people.

6. What did the military generals do? How had their attitude changed?

Answer:
The military generals and police officers saluted Mandela and promised to be loyal to him. Before, they treated black people badly, but now they accepted Mandela as the leader of all South Africans.

7. Why were two national anthems sung?

Answer:
Two national anthems were sung to show that blacks and whites were now equal. It was a sign of unity and respect between both communities.

8. How did Mandela describe the government in South Africa in the early and later 20th century?

Answer:
At the start of the 20th century, white people created a government that treated black people badly and unfairly.

At the end of the 20th century, this government was replaced by one that treated everyone equally, no matter their skin color.

9. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Answer:
Courage does not mean not feeling afraid. It means fighting your fear and doing what is right even if you are scared.

10. What does Mandela say is more natural, love or hate?

Answer:
Mandela says love is more natural to humans than hate. People learn to hate, but love is in everyone’s heart.

11. What are the “twin obligations” Mandela talks about?

Answer:
Mandela says everyone has two main duties: one to their family and the other to their community and country.

12. What did freedom mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student? How is it different from “basic and honourable freedom”?

Answer:
As a boy, freedom meant playing and enjoying life without worries. But later, he understood that real freedom means having rights, respect, and equality for everyone.

13. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why or why not?

Answer:
No, Mandela says the oppressor is not free because they are trapped by hate and narrow thinking. They lose their humanity just like the people they oppress.

14. Why did many international leaders come to Mandela’s inauguration? What did it show?

Answer:
They came to show support for ending apartheid. It showed that justice and peace won over unfairness and hate.

15. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “the sum of all those African patriots”?

Answer:
Mandela means that many people before him fought for freedom and helped him. He is proud to continue their work.

16. Do you agree that great suffering creates great character? How does Mandela explain this? Can you give an example?

Answer:
Yes, I agree. Mandela says many heroes became strong because they faced hardship. In India, leaders like Gandhi became great because of the struggle against British rule.

17. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change as he grew older?

Answer:
When he was young, Mandela thought freedom was just living happily. But as he grew, he understood that true freedom means everyone should have equal rights.

18. How did Mandela’s “hunger for freedom” change his life?

Answer:
Mandela’s wish for freedom became a strong desire to help all black South Africans. It made him brave and ready to fight for justice. He joined the African National Congress and became a leader.