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The chapter “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” is an inspiring extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. It describes the historic day, 10 May 1994, when Mandela took the oath as the first Black President of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This moment marked the end of the cruel system of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic nation where all citizens were considered equal.
Mandela remembers the long and painful struggle against racial discrimination. He pays tribute to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives so that future generations could live with dignity and respect. The presence of world leaders at the ceremony symbolized global recognition of South Africa’s new democratic identity.
In his speech, Mandela explains that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. He shares that both the oppressed and the oppressor are prisoners of hatred and prejudice. True freedom, according to him, means living with self-respect, equality, and harmony. Through this chapter, students of UP Board Class 10 English learn the importance of unity, leadership, and forgiveness in building a just society.
↑ Back to Top“Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” अध्याय नेल्सन मंडेला की आत्मकथा का एक प्रेरणादायक अंश है। इसमें 10 मई 1994 के उस ऐतिहासिक दिन का वर्णन किया गया है जब मंडेला ने प्रिटोरिया के यूनियन बिल्डिंग्स में दक्षिण अफ्रीका के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति के रूप में शपथ ली। यह दिन रंगभेद (Apartheid) की कठोर व्यवस्था के अंत और एक लोकतांत्रिक राष्ट्र की शुरुआत का प्रतीक था।
मंडेला अपने लंबे संघर्ष को याद करते हैं और उन सभी स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों को श्रद्धांजलि देते हैं जिन्होंने समानता और सम्मान के लिए बलिदान दिया। वे बताते हैं कि यह विजय केवल राजनीतिक बदलाव नहीं थी, बल्कि यह मानव गरिमा, न्याय और समान अधिकारों की स्थापना थी। विश्व के कई देशों के नेताओं की उपस्थिति इस बात का संकेत थी कि दक्षिण अफ्रीका अब एक नए और स्वतंत्र युग में प्रवेश कर चुका है।
अपने भाषण में मंडेला स्पष्ट करते हैं कि साहस का अर्थ डर का अभाव नहीं, बल्कि डर पर विजय पाना है। वे कहते हैं कि घृणा सीखी जाती है, इसलिए प्रेम और भाईचारा भी सिखाया जा सकता है। इस अध्याय के माध्यम से UP Board Class 10 English के विद्यार्थियों को एकता, नेतृत्व, त्याग और क्षमा जैसे मूल्यों की प्रेरणा मिलती है, जो एक न्यायपूर्ण समाज की नींव होते हैं।
↑ Back to TopParagraph 1:
The chapter begins with the description of 10 May 1994, the historic day when Nelson Mandela became the first Black President of South Africa. The ceremony was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Leaders from many countries attended the event. This moment was not just a political celebration but a symbol of victory over racial discrimination. It marked the end of apartheid and the birth of a new democratic nation.
Paragraph 2:
Mandela describes the atmosphere of joy and pride. The presence of international leaders showed that the whole world supported South Africa’s freedom. The military display during the ceremony symbolized unity and loyalty to the new democratic government. It was a powerful sign that the country had moved from division to harmony.
Paragraph 3:
Mandela remembers the sacrifices made by countless patriots who fought bravely against apartheid. Many of them were imprisoned, tortured, or killed. He humbly accepts the presidency as a responsibility, not a personal achievement. According to him, the real heroes are those who suffered for the freedom of future generations.
Paragraph 4:
He explains that every person has two important duties — one towards family and the other towards society and nation. In South Africa, Black people were not allowed to fulfill their responsibilities freely because of racial laws. Mandela realized that true freedom means having the right to live with dignity and equality.
Paragraph 5:
Mandela shares a deep thought about courage. He says that courage is not the absence of fear. Even brave people feel afraid, but they control their fear and move forward. This lesson teaches students that fear is natural, but determination makes a true leader.
Paragraph 6:
He also talks about how apartheid created hatred and division among people. According to Mandela, no one is born hating another person. Hatred is taught, so love and kindness can also be taught. This idea highlights the importance of humanity and compassion.
Paragraph 7:
Finally, Mandela concludes that both the oppressed and the oppressor lose their freedom in a system of injustice. True freedom means living without fear, prejudice, and discrimination. The chapter ends with a strong message of equality, forgiveness, and hope for a united South Africa.
| Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartheid | Policy of racial discrimination | रंगभेद की नीति |
| Inauguration | Official swearing-in ceremony | शपथ ग्रहण समारोह |
| Emancipation | Freedom from restriction | मुक्ति / स्वतंत्रता |
| Oppression | Cruel or unfair treatment | दमन |
| Dignity | Self-respect | गरिमा / सम्मान |
| Resilience | Ability to recover quickly | लचीलापन |
| Discrimination | Unfair treatment | भेदभाव |
| Courage | Bravery | साहस |
| Equality | Equal rights | समानता |
| Triumph | Great victory | विजय |
| Liberty | Freedom | स्वतंत्रता |
| Reconciliation | Restoration of friendly relations | मेल-मिलाप |
| Justice | Fairness | न्याय |
| Prejudice | Unfair opinion | पूर्वाग्रह |
| Unity | Togetherness | एकता |
| Humanity | Kindness | मानवता |
| Sacrifice | Giving up something valuable | बलिदान |
| Suppression | Forcing to stop | दबाव / दमन |
| Authority | Power or control | अधिकार |
| Patriot | Person who loves country | देशभक्त |
| Obligation | Duty | कर्तव्य |
| Commitment | Strong dedication | प्रतिबद्धता |
| Harmony | Peaceful agreement | सौहार्द |
| Determination | Firm decision | दृढ़ निश्चय |
| Legacy | Something handed down | विरासत |
| Despair | Hopelessness | निराशा |
| Deprivation | Lack of basic needs | वंचना |
| Oppressor | One who treats unfairly | उत्पीड़क |
| Victim | Person who suffers | पीड़ित |
| Compassion | Sympathy and concern | करुणा |
| Constitution | Set of laws | संविधान |
| Sovereignty | Supreme authority | सार्वभौमिकता |
| Democracy | Government by people | लोकतंत्र |
| Segregation | Separation | अलगाव |
| Oppose | Resist | विरोध करना |
| Struggle | Hard fight | संघर्ष |
| Vision | Future plan | दृष्टिकोण |
| Respect | Honor | सम्मान |
| Injustice | Unfairness | अन्याय |
| Freedom | State of being free | स्वतंत्रता |
| Leadership | Ability to guide others | नेतृत्व |
| Forgiveness | Letting go of anger | क्षमा |
| Revolution | Major change | क्रांति |
| Nation | Country | राष्ट्र |
| Equality before law | Same legal rights for all | कानून के समक्ष समानता |
| Patriotism | Love for one's country | देशभक्ति |
| Dedication | Devotion to duty | समर्पण |
| Responsibility | Duty to act correctly | जिम्मेदारी |
| Unity in diversity | Togetherness despite differences | विविधता में एकता |
| Justice system | Legal system of a country | न्याय व्यवस्था |
He became President on 10 May 1994 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination that denied basic rights to Black people in South Africa.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome fear.
It was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
It marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy in South Africa.
The obligation towards family and the obligation towards society and nation.
Due to racial discrimination and unfair laws imposed by apartheid.
True freedom means living with dignity, equality, and self-respect.
We learn determination, leadership, unity, and forgiveness.
Leaders and dignitaries from many countries attended the ceremony.
Hatred is learned, and therefore love can also be taught.
It symbolized unity and loyalty to the democratic government.
It created injustice, inequality, and separation among races.
Because they sacrificed their lives for equality and freedom.
He wanted a society based on justice, equality, and harmony.
He says oppressors are also prisoners of hatred.
It means freedom from social and political restrictions.
His aim was to build a democratic and non-racial society.
It teaches equality, courage, responsibility, and unity.
It is frequently asked in Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Question Answer section.
Nelson Mandela’s inauguration on 10 May 1994 was a historic moment for South Africa. The ceremony was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where leaders from many countries gathered to witness the birth of a new democratic nation. It symbolized the end of apartheid and the beginning of equality and justice. Mandela took the oath as the first Black President of South Africa. The military display showed loyalty to the new government and unity among citizens. Mandela honoured the sacrifices of freedom fighters and expressed his commitment to building a non-racial society. The event marked a new era of hope and reconciliation.
Mandela explains that every person has twin obligations: one towards family and another towards society and nation. However, during apartheid, Black people were denied basic rights and could not fulfill these duties freely. Mandela believed that true freedom means having the opportunity to perform both responsibilities with dignity. He realized that serving his nation was as important as serving his family. This idea motivated him to fight against injustice and work for equality.
According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. He admits that even brave people feel afraid, but they move forward despite fear. He learned this lesson during his struggle against apartheid. His life proves that determination and self-control make a true leader. This message inspires students to overcome challenges confidently.
Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination that divided people based on colour. Black citizens were denied education, jobs, and political rights. It created injustice, hatred, and inequality in society. Mandela fought against this system for many years. Its end brought democracy and equal rights for all citizens.
Mandela describes true freedom as living with dignity, equality, and self-respect. It means freedom from fear, discrimination, and injustice. He believes that both the oppressed and the oppressor lose their humanity in a system of hatred. True freedom allows everyone to live peacefully and responsibly.
Mandela honours freedom fighters because they sacrificed their lives for equality and justice. Many were imprisoned or killed during the struggle. He believes the victory of democracy belongs to them. His respect shows his humility and leadership qualities.
The chapter emphasizes unity among all races. Mandela wanted South Africa to become a non-racial country. The presence of global leaders at his inauguration symbolized international support. Unity was necessary to rebuild the nation and remove hatred.
Mandela shows courage, determination, forgiveness, and humility. He does not seek revenge but reconciliation. His dedication to equality and justice proves he was a true leader committed to humanity.
This chapter teaches moral values like equality, responsibility, and courage. It frequently appears in UP Board exams in long answers, extracts, and MCQs. It also develops awareness about human rights and democracy.
Mandela transformed South Africa by ending apartheid and promoting democracy. He encouraged reconciliation instead of revenge. His leadership united people of different races. He laid the foundation for a peaceful and equal society.
"We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation."
1. Who is the speaker?
2. What does 'emancipation' mean?
3. What was achieved?
4. Which system ended because of this achievement?
Answers:
1. Nelson Mandela
2. Freedom
3. Political freedom
4. Apartheid
"Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
1. What is courage according to Mandela?
2. Does a brave man feel fear?
3. What is the central idea of this line?
Answers:
1. Overcoming fear
2. Yes
3. True bravery means controlling fear
"No one is born hating another person."
1. What is the message of this line?
2. What can be taught instead of hatred?
3. What value does this promote?
Answers:
1. Hatred is learned
2. Love and compassion
3. Humanity
"A man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred."
1. Who is a prisoner according to Mandela?
2. What does hatred do to a person?
Answers:
1. The oppressor
2. Destroys humanity
"I was not born with a hunger to be free."
1. Who said this?
2. What made him desire freedom?
Answers:
1. Nelson Mandela
2. Racial injustice
"The day was symbolized for me by the playing of our two national anthems."
1. Which day is referred to here?
2. What did it symbolize?
Answers:
1. 10 May 1994
2. Unity and equality
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear."
1. When did Mandela learn this lesson?
2. What does this show about his character?
Answers:
1. During the struggle against apartheid
2. Determination and bravery
"South Africa is a beautiful country."
1. Who said this?
2. Why is it called beautiful?
Answers:
1. Nelson Mandela
2. Because of its people and diversity
"Freedom is indivisible."
1. What does this mean?
2. Who believed in this idea?
Answers:
1. Freedom must be for all
2. Nelson Mandela
"We thank all our distinguished international guests."
1. On which occasion was this said?
2. What does it show about South Africa?
Answers:
1. Inauguration ceremony
2. Global recognition and unity
Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela became the first Black President of South Africa in 1994.
Reason (R): Apartheid officially ended in South Africa.
Assertion (A): Mandela believed that courage means having no fear.
Reason (R): He said courage is the triumph over fear.
Assertion (A): Hatred is natural according to Mandela.
Reason (R): Love can be taught to people.
Assertion (A): The inauguration ceremony symbolized unity.
Reason (R): Leaders from different countries attended the ceremony.
Assertion (A): Apartheid created equality in society.
Reason (R): It divided people on the basis of race.
Assertion (A): Mandela wanted revenge after becoming President.
Reason (R): He promoted reconciliation and unity.
Assertion (A): Mandela respected freedom fighters.
Reason (R): They sacrificed their lives for justice.
Assertion (A): Freedom is indivisible according to Mandela.
Reason (R): Freedom must be for all, not for a few.
Assertion (A): Black people could freely fulfill their obligations during apartheid.
Reason (R): Racial laws restricted their rights.
Assertion (A): Mandela’s leadership promoted democracy.
Reason (R): He worked for equality and justice.
On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela took the oath as the first Black President of South Africa. Leaders from many countries attended the ceremony. It marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.
2. What did the ceremony symbolize?
3. Who attended the ceremony?
4. What ended in South Africa in 1994?
Answers:
1. It was the day Mandela became President.
2. End of apartheid and start of democracy.
3. International leaders and dignitaries.
4. Apartheid system.
Mandela believed that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. He learned this lesson during his struggle against apartheid.
2. When did he learn this lesson?
3. What does this show about his character?
4. Which value does this promote?
Answers:
1. Overcoming fear.
2. During the struggle against apartheid.
3. Determination and bravery.
4. Leadership and courage.
Mandela stated that both the oppressor and the oppressed are prisoners of hatred. He believed true freedom includes equality and dignity.
2. What destroys humanity?
3. What does true freedom include?
4. What message does this give?
Answers:
1. Both oppressor and oppressed.
2. Hatred.
3. Equality and dignity.
4. Humanity and forgiveness.
During apartheid, Black people were denied basic rights and could not fulfill their twin obligations towards family and nation.
2. Why could Black people not fulfill them?
3. What system caused this injustice?
4. What lesson does this teach?
Answers:
1. Duty towards family and nation.
2. Due to racial discrimination.
3. Apartheid.
4. Importance of equality and justice.
Mandela honoured freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for justice and democracy. He believed their contribution made the new South Africa possible.
2. Why were they honoured?
3. What did their sacrifice bring?
4. What quality of Mandela is shown here?
Answers:
1. Freedom fighters.
2. For sacrificing for justice and equality.
3. Democracy and freedom.
4. Humility and respect.
The main theme is equality, courage, democracy, and freedom from racial discrimination. The chapter highlights the struggle against apartheid and promotes unity and justice.
It is an important chapter in Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Question Answer section and frequently appears in long answers, MCQs, extract-based, and assertion–reason questions.
You can read the complete Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Summary in Hindi in the summary section above, written in simple and student-friendly language.
Important questions include inauguration ceremony description, Mandela’s view on courage, twin obligations, apartheid effects, and character sketch-based questions.
Yes, students can download Nelson Mandela Class 10 English UP Board Notes PDF from the internal links section for quick revision.
Mandela shows courage, determination, forgiveness, humility, and dedication towards equality and democracy.
You can practice MCQs from the MCQ section above, which includes exam-oriented multiple choice questions with correct answers.
The chapter teaches unity, equality, responsibility, forgiveness, and the importance of standing against injustice.
