Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Story) -NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers English Class 10 In English

Chapter 2. (Story) Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

This section contains the original NCERT textbook questions from the latest NCERT Class 10 English First Flight textbook. The questions are presented in the same order as the NCERT book, while the answers are written in simple, accurate, and exam-oriented language to help students prepare effectively for examinations. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

The following questions are based on the chapter Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Read the questions carefully and understand Mandela's views on freedom, equality, courage, and humanity.

Oral Comprehension Check

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

Answer:

The inauguration ceremonies took place in the beautiful sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa. Some famous public buildings in India made of sandstone are the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and India Gate in New Delhi. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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

Answer:

South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in India. Therefore, the month of May falls during the autumn season in South Africa. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Question 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?

Answer:

By "an extraordinary human disaster", Mandela refers to the cruel system of apartheid, which denied Black people their basic rights and freedom for many years. The "glorious human achievement" refers to the establishment of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government based on equality, justice, and freedom for all citizens. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Question 4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Answer:

Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending the inauguration ceremony and sharing the joy of South Africa's victory over apartheid. Their presence showed international support for democracy, justice, peace, and human dignity. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

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

Answer:

Mandela envisioned a South Africa based on freedom, equality, justice, peace, democracy, human dignity, and equal opportunities for all citizens. He hoped that no one would ever again face racial discrimination or oppression in the country. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Oral Comprehension Check

Question 1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

Answer:

The military generals salute Nelson Mandela and pledge their loyalty to the newly elected democratic government. Earlier, they had supported the apartheid regime and would have arrested Mandela. Their attitude changed because South Africa had become a democratic nation where the will of the people was respected. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Question 2. Why were two national anthems sung?

Answer:

Two national anthems were sung to symbolise unity and reconciliation between Black and White South Africans. It reflected the country's commitment to equality, mutual respect, and national integration. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Question 3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Answer:

In the first decade of the twentieth century, South Africa had a system of racial domination and white supremacy. In the final decade of the century, that unjust system had been replaced by a democratic government that recognised equal rights and freedom for all citizens. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Question 4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Answer:

According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. A truly brave person is one who feels fear but successfully overcomes it. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18} :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Question 5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Answer:

Mandela believes that love is natural because it comes more easily to the human heart than hatred. Hatred is learned, so people can also be taught to love. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20} :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Oral Comprehension Check

Question 1. What "twin obligations" does Mandela mention?

Answer:

Mandela mentions that every person has two obligations: one towards family, including parents, wife, and children, and the other towards society, community, and the nation. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22} :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Question 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"?

Answer:

As a boy, Mandela believed freedom meant playing freely, swimming, and living according to his tribe's customs. As a student, he thought freedom meant enjoying personal liberties such as reading what he liked and going where he wished. Later, he realised that these were only temporary freedoms. True freedom meant living with dignity, equality, earning a livelihood, and enjoying equal rights without discrimination. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

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

Answer:

No. Mandela believes that the oppressor is not truly free because hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness imprison him. A person who takes away another person's freedom also loses his own humanity and freedom. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26} :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Thinking About the Text

Question 1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Answer:

International leaders attended the inauguration to honour Nelson Mandela and celebrate South Africa's transition to democracy. Their presence signified the triumph of justice, equality, democracy, human dignity, and freedom over apartheid. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

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

Answer:

Mandela means that his success was possible because of the sacrifices, courage, and struggles of countless African patriots who fought against apartheid before him. He considered himself a representative of their collective efforts. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29} :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Question 3. Would you agree that the "depths of oppression" create "heights of character"? How does Mandela illustrate this?

Answer:

Yes. Mandela explains that years of oppression produced great leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, and Robert Sobukwe. Their courage, determination, and sacrifice inspired millions and helped South Africa achieve freedom. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31} :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

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

Answer:

As Mandela grew older, he realised that personal freedom alone was not enough. He understood that true freedom meant ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for every person. His struggle therefore became a fight for the freedom of all South Africans rather than only for himself. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33} :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

Question 5. How did Mandela's "hunger for freedom" change his life?

Answer:

Mandela's desire for freedom transformed him from an ordinary young man into a fearless leader. He devoted his life to fighting against apartheid, sacrificed his personal comforts, and worked tirelessly for the freedom, dignity, and equality of his people. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35} :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}