📘 Class 10 English Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Notes
Book: First Flight
Author: Nelson Mandela
Chapter: 2
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)
✍️ Introduction
“Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. It gives a first-person account of his struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa. This chapter highlights his journey from a freedom fighter to becoming the first Black President of South Africa. It discusses the meaning of true freedom, courage, and the sacrifices made by countless people. This chapter is crucial for students as it teaches the value of justice, equality, and humanity.
📖 Summary of the Chapter
The extract begins on 10th May 1994, the day Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa’s first Black President after the end of apartheid. The ceremony was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and attended by world leaders from different countries, showing their support for the new era of democracy.
Mandela gives credit to thousands of unknown freedom fighters who struggled for decades. He talks about how white supremacy had oppressed Black people for years and how their efforts finally brought freedom to the nation. He believes that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. Mandela’s speech expresses gratitude, hope, and a strong desire for unity and equality.
He also reflects on how freedom is not just about breaking physical chains, but also freeing oneself from hatred and fear. True freedom means living with dignity and respecting others. The chapter ends with Mandela acknowledging the role of past heroes and the responsibility of the current generation to continue working for peace and equality.
🧠 Theme and Message
- Freedom and Equality: The chapter emphasizes the importance of freedom for every human being regardless of race or color.
- Struggle and Sacrifice: It reflects on the decades-long fight and the pain endured by countless people to end apartheid.
- Leadership and Courage: Mandela talks about leading without fear, and how true leaders put the nation first.
🧾 Character Sketch: Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and the first Black President of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison fighting against racial discrimination. He believed in justice, non-violence, and unity. His strong will, humility, and forgiveness made him a symbol of peace and democracy across the world.
📚 Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apartheid | Policy of racial segregation |
| Emancipation | Freedom from restriction or oppression |
| Inauguration | Formal ceremony to begin something |
| Obligation | Duty or responsibility |
| Profound | Deep and meaningful |
❓ Important Questions and Answers
- Q1. What happened on 10th May 1994 in South Africa?
Ans: Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first Black President of South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic government. - Q2. What does Mandela say about courage?
Ans: He says that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it. - Q3. What is the central idea of the lesson?
Ans: The lesson focuses on freedom, human rights, and the long struggle for justice by the people of South Africa. - Q4. What does Mandela mean by ‘true freedom’?
Ans: He means living a life free from fear, hatred, and prejudice, with respect for the freedom of others.
📥 Download PDF Notes
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📌 Tags: Class 10 English Notes, Nelson Mandela Summary, First Flight Chapter 2, CBSE English 2025, Long Walk to Freedom, ToppersNoteHub
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