🌍 Overview of “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Book: First Flight | Class: 10 | Author: Nelson Mandela
✨ Introduction:
This chapter is an excerpt from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom". It describes the historic moment when Mandela took the oath as South Africa’s first Black President on 10th May 1994, and reflects on his journey from a freedom fighter to a national leader.
🕊️ Theme of the Chapter:
The main themes are:
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Struggle against apartheid (racial discrimination),
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Freedom and equality for all,
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Courage and sacrifice of heroes,
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And the spirit of forgiveness and peace.
📖 What Happens in the Chapter:
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Mandela describes the inauguration ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
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People from around the world attended the event.
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Two national anthems were sung — one for whites and one for blacks — symbolizing the end of apartheid.
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Mandela pays tribute to all those who suffered, fought, and even died to achieve freedom.
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He believes that no one is born hating others, and that love comes naturally.
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Mandela says real freedom is not just political but includes freedom from poverty, fear, and lack of dignity.
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He explains his belief that freedom is incomplete unless everyone is free.
🧠 Key Message:
Mandela’s story is not just about his personal victory, but about the collective courage and sacrifices of thousands of men and women who stood against injustice. The chapter inspires readers to value democracy, peace, and humanity.
📌 Quote from Mandela:
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter..."
✅ 20 Most Important 2 Marks Questions with Answers
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Class 10 English | Chapter 1 | First Flight
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1. What is the meaning of ‘apartheid’?
Ans: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination in South Africa that separated people based on skin colour. Blacks were denied basic rights.
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2. What was the historic event that took place on 10 May 1994?
Ans: Nelson Mandela took oath as the first Black President of South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.
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3. Where did the inauguration ceremony take place?
Ans: The inauguration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.
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4. How did Mandela describe the scene of the inauguration day?
Ans: Mandela described it as a bright day with guests from over 140 countries. Two national anthems were sung to represent unity.
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5. What did Mandela pledge during his speech?
Ans: Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution, promote peace, and ensure equal rights for all citizens of South Africa.
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6. What twin obligations does Mandela speak about?
Ans: Mandela spoke of two obligations: one towards his family, and the other towards his people and community.
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7. Why, according to Mandela, could a person not fulfill both obligations under apartheid?
Ans: Under apartheid, fulfilling one obligation meant betraying the other, especially for Black South Africans who had no legal rights.
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8. What was Mandela’s childhood definition of freedom?
Ans: As a child, Mandela believed freedom meant being free to play, run in the fields, and eat what he liked.
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9. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age?
Ans: He realized freedom meant living with dignity, having equal rights, and freedom from poverty, fear, and oppression.
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10. What, according to Mandela, is true courage?
Ans: True courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it.
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11. What does Mandela say about hate and love?
Ans: He says no one is born hating others; if people can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love.
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12. Why does Mandela thank the patriots who died?
Ans: He thanks them for their sacrifices, saying that South Africa’s freedom is built on their suffering and courage.
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13. What is the significance of singing two national anthems at the ceremony?
Ans: It symbolized unity and respect for both white and Black communities in the new democratic South Africa.
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14. How does Mandela describe the oppressed people?
Ans: He describes them as ordinary men of courage and wisdom who dared to stand up to injustice.
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15. Why does Mandela say freedom is indivisible?
Ans: He believes that until everyone is free, no one is truly free. Freedom must be for all.
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16. What does Mandela mean by “long and noble line”?
Ans: He refers to the generations of patriots who fought for freedom and justice in South Africa.
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17. How does Mandela view the past of his country?
Ans: He says the past was filled with inhumanity, injustice, and cruelty due to racial discrimination.
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18. How did Mandela’s perception of freedom change over time?
Ans: Initially personal (playing, studying), it grew to social freedom (freedom from injustice and discrimination).
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19. What role did the military play on inauguration day?
Ans: The military saluted Mandela as the new democratic leader, showing a shift from oppression to respect.
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20. What personal emotions did Mandela feel on this historic day?
Ans: He felt proud, honored, and deeply emotional, remembering the sacrifices made by countless patriots.
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